What's eating my itoh peony 'bartzella'?

Itoh Peony 'Bartzella' can be attacked by aphids on new growth in spring and thrips that scar the large yellow blooms. Vine weevil grubs threaten roots, especially in containers. Japanese beetles (in North America) skeletonise foliage and chew flowers. Botrytis blight is more common than pest damage but aphids are the top insect threat.

Colonies on succulent spring shoots and stems; honeydew and sooty mould Strong water spray or insecticidal soap; attract ladybirds; avoid high-nitrogen feeds that encourage soft growth

Skeletonised leaves and chewed flowers; copper-and-green beetles visible on plant Handpick in the morning; neem oil spray; apply milky spore to lawn grubs

Flecked, streaked, or browned petals on the large blooms Remove affected flowers; insecticidal soap on shoots; avoid water-stressed plants

Root and crown damage from C-shaped grubs; plants wilt suddenly with no obvious cause Nematode drenches in spring and early autumn; inspect roots of any wilting container plant