Pest identification
What's eating my caltha palustris 'flore pleno'?
Marsh marigold aphid (Aphis calthae)
Signs: Colonies of greenish-black aphids on stems and within the dense double blooms; distorted buds and honeydew deposits
Control: Water jet to dislodge colonies; insecticidal soap spray applied carefully away from pond water; introduce aphid predators
Slugs and snails
Signs: Holes in emerging spring foliage and growing tips; slime trails confirm the culprit
Control: Iron phosphate pellets; hand-pick after dark; encourage natural predators such as frogs and hedgehogs
Flea beetles
Signs: Scattered small round holes in mature leaves giving a shot-hole appearance through summer
Control: Insect-proof fleece over young plants; pyrethrin spray for persistent attacks; good plant vigour reduces susceptibility
Keep caltha palustris 'flore pleno' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats caltha palustris — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common caltha palustris 'flore pleno' problems & fixes
- Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno' watering schedule
- Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno' light requirements
- Full caltha palustris 'flore pleno' care guide
Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno' pests — FAQ
What is eating my caltha palustris 'flore pleno'?
Double marsh marigold faces the same pest pressure as the straight species. Marsh marigold aphids are the most serious problem, massing on stems and flower buds. Slugs damage soft spring growth, and flea beetles create shot-holes in summer leaves. The dense double flowers can trap aphid colonies, so check blooms closely.
How do I get rid of marsh marigold aphid (aphis calthae) on caltha palustris 'flore pleno'?
Colonies of greenish-black aphids on stems and within the dense double blooms; distorted buds and honeydew deposits Water jet to dislodge colonies; insecticidal soap spray applied carefully away from pond water; introduce aphid predators
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on caltha palustris 'flore pleno'?
Holes in emerging spring foliage and growing tips; slime trails confirm the culprit Iron phosphate pellets; hand-pick after dark; encourage natural predators such as frogs and hedgehogs
How do I get rid of flea beetles on caltha palustris 'flore pleno'?
Scattered small round holes in mature leaves giving a shot-hole appearance through summer Insect-proof fleece over young plants; pyrethrin spray for persistent attacks; good plant vigour reduces susceptibility