Pest identification
What's eating my belladonna larkspur?
Slugs & snails
Signs: Young shoots eaten at or below soil level in spring, preventing plants from establishing or re-shooting after cutback
Control: Surround crowns with sharp grit; apply iron phosphate bait; use copper tape around pots; hand-pick nightly in wet spells
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on new growth and flower spikes cause leaf curl, honeydew, and fungal sooty mould
Control: Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap or neem oil; avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer that encourages soft sappy growth
Delphinium moth (Polychrysia moneta) larvae
Signs: Larvae feed inside buds and on foliage; webbed or rolled leaves and frass are the giveaway
Control: Remove larvae by hand; spray Bacillus thuringiensis in the evening when larvae are active
Keep belladonna larkspur pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Belladonna larkspur pests — FAQ
What is eating my belladonna larkspur?
Belladonna larkspur (Delphinium x belladonna) attracts the same key pests as other delphiniums. Slugs and snails are the biggest spring danger, destroying shoots before they can grow. Aphids colonize spikes in summer. Deer and rabbits generally leave delphiniums alone because all parts are toxic, giving this hybrid a natural advantage.
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on belladonna larkspur?
Young shoots eaten at or below soil level in spring, preventing plants from establishing or re-shooting after cutback Surround crowns with sharp grit; apply iron phosphate bait; use copper tape around pots; hand-pick nightly in wet spells
How do I get rid of aphids on belladonna larkspur?
Clusters on new growth and flower spikes cause leaf curl, honeydew, and fungal sooty mould Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap or neem oil; avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer that encourages soft sappy growth
How do I get rid of delphinium moth (polychrysia moneta) larvae on belladonna larkspur?
Larvae feed inside buds and on foliage; webbed or rolled leaves and frass are the giveaway Remove larvae by hand; spray Bacillus thuringiensis in the evening when larvae are active