What's eating my bowles golden sedge?

Bowles Golden Sedge (Carex elata 'Aurea') thrives in wet garden sites, which also favours slugs and snails — the primary pest threat. Aphids may appear on flower stems in spring. Its waterside habitat can attract iris sawfly-like leaf miners. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid it. Established clumps are generally very resilient.

Chewed leaves and slime trails, especially near water edges and in heavy, moist soil. Use iron phosphate pellets near the crown; hand-pick at night; avoid excess mulch that harbours slugs.

Colonies on flower stems and new growth; sticky honeydew and minor leaf distortion. Knock off with a water jet; apply insecticidal soap if infestations are heavy.

Pale, irregular winding tunnels within leaf blades, reducing vigour and appearance. Remove and dispose of affected leaves promptly; no chemical treatment usually necessary for garden sedges.