What's eating my britt-marie crawford ligularia?

Britt-Marie Crawford Ligularia, with its large dark-purple leaves, is a magnet for slugs and snails — its big, succulent foliage in moist shade is exactly what they seek. Aphids hit new growth in spring. Deer and rabbits largely avoid it. Slug control at planting and through spring is the single most important defence.

Large ragged holes chewed through the distinctive dark leaves; slime trails across foliage and soil around the crown. Apply iron phosphate pellets generously around the crown from early spring. Diatomaceous earth as a dry barrier, beer traps, and evening handpicking all help. This is an ongoing commitment in moist gardens.

Colonies of soft insects on tender new growth and undersides of young leaves; honeydew stickiness and possible sooty mould. Blast off with a strong water jet. Apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil for persistent infestations; spray in early morning to avoid leaf scorch.

Tiny white-winged insects on leaf undersides; leaves yellow and drop prematurely in warm summer conditions. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor populations. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, targeting undersides of leaves. Improve air circulation around plants.