Pest identification
What's eating my caradonna salvia?
Aphids
Signs: Small soft insects clustering on new shoots and flower spikes, causing sticky distorted growth.
Control: Blast off with water; apply insecticidal soap; encourage aphid predators (ladybugs, hoverflies).
Spittlebugs (froghoppers)
Signs: Frothy white 'cuckoo spit' blobs on stems; minor cosmetic damage only.
Control: Wipe or wash off by hand; rarely warrants chemical intervention.
Slugs & snails
Signs: Holes and ragged edges on young basal leaves in spring before plants harden off.
Control: Iron-phosphate pellets around the crown; clear mulch debris where slugs overwinter.
Keep caradonna salvia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Caradonna Salvia pests — FAQ
What is eating my caradonna salvia?
Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' is highly deer- and rabbit-resistant due to aromatic foliage, but it can still attract aphids, leafhoppers, and spittlebugs. Slugs may damage young spring growth. Overall one of the most pest-resistant garden perennials; aphid colonies on new growth are the most common nuisance.
How do I get rid of aphids on caradonna salvia?
Small soft insects clustering on new shoots and flower spikes, causing sticky distorted growth. Blast off with water; apply insecticidal soap; encourage aphid predators (ladybugs, hoverflies).
How do I get rid of spittlebugs (froghoppers) on caradonna salvia?
Frothy white 'cuckoo spit' blobs on stems; minor cosmetic damage only. Wipe or wash off by hand; rarely warrants chemical intervention.
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on caradonna salvia?
Holes and ragged edges on young basal leaves in spring before plants harden off. Iron-phosphate pellets around the crown; clear mulch debris where slugs overwinter.