What's eating my begonia grandis?

Begonia grandis, a hardy outdoor begonia, encounters aphids on soft summer growth, slugs and snails at the base of stems, and occasional vine weevil damage. Deer and rabbits rarely bother it due to its succulent, slightly acid-tasting stems. Aphids are the most consistent seasonal pest to manage.

Soft shoot tips become twisted and sticky; flower stems may fail to open fully. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs by avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides.

Ragged holes in lower leaves and emerging stems, especially during wet weather. Apply iron phosphate slug pellets; use a gritty barrier around emerging shoots in spring.

Notched leaf edges from adult beetles; larvae can damage rhizome and roots in containers. Drench container soil with Steinernema nematodes in late summer; reduce in-ground risk by improving drainage.