What's eating my begonia 'nonstop rose petticoat'?

Like all Nonstop tuberous begonias, 'Rose Petticoat' is targeted by aphids clustering on bud clusters and by vine weevil larvae that quietly destroy the tuber underground. Thrips may scar the delicate, ruffled petals. Aphids are the most frequent and visible pest across the growing season.

Sticky, crinkled buds; honeydew buildup draws sooty mold; heavy infestations stunt growth. Blast colonies off with water; follow up with insecticidal soap spray weekly until populations collapse.

C-shaped grubs eat roots and tuber, causing whole plant to wilt and detach from compost. Drench with pathogenic nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer; dispose of infested compost.

Pale silvery flecks and streaking on petals and leaves; dark excrement spots visible on flowers. Use spinosad or neem oil spray; hang blue sticky traps; remove and bin affected blooms.