What's eating my campanula persicifolia?

Campanula persicifolia is particularly targeted by slugs and snails, which can destroy emerging crowns in spring. Aphids cluster on flower stalks and caterpillars occasionally chew leaves. In US gardens deer browse the flowers eagerly. The plant is otherwise tough and generally pest-tolerant once established.

Holes in leaves and eaten-off young flower shoots; worst in damp spring weather with slime trails evident. Scatter ferric phosphate pellets at soil level from early spring; hand-pick at dusk; use grit or crushed eggshell barriers.

Green or black colonies on flower stalks and beneath leaves; honeydew residue and mild distortion. Spray with insecticidal soap or strong water jet; attract hoverflies by planting umbellifers nearby.

Flower stems and buds browsed off cleanly; particularly targeted in early summer when plants are in bud (US gardens). Use deer repellent sprays on emerging growth; install motion-activated deterrents; choose a protected walled garden position.