What's eating my becky shasta daisy?

Becky Shasta daisy shares the pest profile of the species: aphids on stems and buds are the main nuisance, earwigs shelter in the large blooms and chew petals, and slugs target new growth at the base. Its vigorous, tall habit can also attract leafhoppers. Dividing every 2–3 years reduces congestion and keeps pest pressure manageable.

Clusters on shoot tips and flower stems; sticky honeydew, curled leaves, and weakened stems that struggle to support the tall blooms. Spray off with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce beneficial insects such as ladybirds and lacewings.

Irregular chewing damage on petals, especially the outer ray florets; most active at night; shelters inside the large double or semi-double flower heads. Trap in rolled damp newspaper or corrugated cardboard left near plants overnight; empty traps each morning.

Holes in basal leaves and chewed shoots at ground level; young divided plants or transplants most at risk in spring. Apply ferric phosphate pellets; handpick at dusk; use copper tape on containers; clear debris where slugs shelter.