What's eating my aster × frikartii 'mönch'?

Aster x frikartii 'Mönch' is one of the most disease-resistant asters and rarely suffers severe pest damage. Aphids and lace bugs are the primary insect threats. Unlike New England asters it shrugs off powdery mildew well. Deer occasionally browse it but it is not a preferred target. Regular inspection from midsummer is sufficient.

Soft colonies on soft shoot tips and flower buds; honeydew and distorted growth. Water jet or insecticidal soap spray; encourage natural predators such as ladybirds and hoverflies.

Pale stippled upper leaf surface; brownish speckling on leaf undersides. Spray undersides thoroughly with neem oil or insecticidal soap; keep plants well-watered to reduce stress susceptibility.

Ragged, irregular holes in petals and leaves, damage most obvious on opening flowers. Trap in rolled newspaper or upturned pots stuffed with straw; shake into soapy water; reduce dense mulch near plants.