What's eating my autumn joy stonecrop?

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' grown in the garden faces aphids on new spring stems, vine weevil damage to roots, and slugs targeting young shoots. Deer and rabbits browse the succulent foliage and flower heads in summer. Its sturdy constitution means plants recover well, but deer pressure in rural gardens can be heavy.

Dense colonies on new growth tips and flower buds in spring; distorted stems; sticky honeydew attracting ants Blast off with a strong water jet; encourage ladybirds and lacewings; apply insecticidal soap spray if colonies persist

Adults notch leaf margins; grubs eat roots underground causing wilting or plant collapse in late summer Apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to soil in late summer; check soil when lifting; remove C-shaped grubs by hand

Ragged holes and silvery slime trails on young stems and leaves in damp conditions Use copper tape around pots; apply wildlife-safe iron phosphate pellets; hand-pick at night; encourage hedgehogs and frogs

Flower heads and upper stems browsed to stubs, particularly in summer and autumn in rural gardens Install rabbit-proof fencing or wire guards around individual clumps; use deer repellent sprays; plant among less palatable species as a deterrent