What's eating my carex riparia 'variegata'?

Greater pond sedge 'Variegata' is susceptible to aphids on its cream-striped foliage and to slugs and snails at the pond margin. Waterfowl occasionally pull at leaf bases. The ornamental white variegation makes aphid sooty mould more visible than on green sedges. Cut back affected growth and allow fresh variegated foliage to reflush.

Sticky colonies on young shoots; sooty mould on honeydew is especially disfiguring on the pale variegated leaves. Hose off with water; ladybirds and hoverfly larvae provide good natural control in pond-margin settings.

Holes chewed in young leaves and rasped stem bases, most severe in spring and after wet weather. Iron-phosphate pellets away from open water; hand-pick at night; top-dress basket margin with coarse grit.

Leaf blades pulled out and eaten; crowns disturbed in very shallow planting positions. Plant in heavy baskets at 10–20 cm depth and top with gravel to discourage uprooting.