Pest identification
What's eating my black lily magnolia?
Vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus)
Signs: Adults notch leaves; grubs destroy roots causing sudden collapse in container plants
Control: Biological nematode drench (Steinernema kraussei) in late August to October; physical traps for adults
Horse chestnut scale (Pulvinaria regalis)
Signs: Cottony white masses on stems in late spring; bark discolouration and dieback in heavy cases
Control: Winter horticultural oil spray; prune and destroy heavily infested stems
Aphids
Signs: Soft new growth curled and coated in honeydew; secondary sooty mould reduces photosynthesis
Control: Insecticidal soap or neem oil; water jet for light infestations; foster predatory insects
Keep black lily magnolia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Black Lily Magnolia pests — FAQ
What is eating my black lily magnolia?
Black Lily Magnolia 'Nigra' shares pests with other Magnolia liliiflora selections. Vine weevil is the most serious threat, especially in containers. Scale insects appear on bark, aphids attack young shoots, and slugs damage newly planted specimens. Deer may browse in exposed gardens. Vigorous, well-drained plants recover more readily.
How do I get rid of vine weevil (otiorhynchus sulcatus) on black lily magnolia?
Adults notch leaves; grubs destroy roots causing sudden collapse in container plants Biological nematode drench (Steinernema kraussei) in late August to October; physical traps for adults
How do I get rid of horse chestnut scale (pulvinaria regalis) on black lily magnolia?
Cottony white masses on stems in late spring; bark discolouration and dieback in heavy cases Winter horticultural oil spray; prune and destroy heavily infested stems
How do I get rid of aphids on black lily magnolia?
Soft new growth curled and coated in honeydew; secondary sooty mould reduces photosynthesis Insecticidal soap or neem oil; water jet for light infestations; foster predatory insects