Pest identification
What's eating my betony?
Slugs & snails
Signs: Ragged holes in basal leaves and newly emerged stems; slime trails confirm the culprit
Control: Iron phosphate pellets; hand-pick at dusk; use grit mulch around the crown to deter slugs
Aphids
Signs: Small colonies on flower stem internodes; sticky honeydew may attract ants; growth rarely severely impacted
Control: Rub off by hand or spray with insecticidal soap; healthy betony outgrows minor aphid pressure without treatment
Keep betony pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Betony pests — FAQ
What is eating my betony?
Betony (Stachys betonica) is a hardy native wildflower that attracts few serious pests. Slugs and snails target young spring growth at ground level. Aphids occasionally appear on flower stalks in dry summers. Once established in a well-drained, sunny or part-shaded spot, betony is highly resilient and rarely needs pest treatment.
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on betony?
Ragged holes in basal leaves and newly emerged stems; slime trails confirm the culprit Iron phosphate pellets; hand-pick at dusk; use grit mulch around the crown to deter slugs
How do I get rid of aphids on betony?
Small colonies on flower stem internodes; sticky honeydew may attract ants; growth rarely severely impacted Rub off by hand or spray with insecticidal soap; healthy betony outgrows minor aphid pressure without treatment