What's eating my caltha palustris?

Marsh marigold grown in garden ponds and boggy margins is most seriously damaged by marsh marigold aphid colonies on stems and buds. Slugs attack young spring growth, and flea beetles create shot-hole damage on the leaves in summer. Rabbits may also graze young plants in open garden settings.

Dense greenish-black colonies on stems, flower buds, and undersides of leaves; distorted growth and sticky honeydew Blast off with a strong water jet (safe near ponds); encourage ladybirds and lacewings; insecticidal soap spray away from open water

Ragged holes in young leaves and growing tips in early spring; slime trails visible Hand-pick at night; iron phosphate pellets around plant margins (safer near water); encourage frogs and ground beetles

Numerous small round shot-holes across leaves, particularly in summer after flowering Fine insect mesh over vulnerable plants; pyrethrin-based spray for severe infestations; maintain healthy plant vigour