What's eating my cleft phlox?

Cleft Phlox (Phlox bifida) is notably resistant compared with taller phlox species — no serious pest or disease issues are typically recorded. Spider mites can appear during hot, dry spells, and general phlox-feeding insects such as plant bugs and aphids occasionally visit. Its low, mat-forming habit and xeric adaptations make it less palatable to deer and rabbits.

Fine stippling and pale yellowing of leaves, sometimes with very fine webbing visible; worst in hot, dry conditions. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7–10 days; keeping soil evenly moist during summer heat is the best preventive.

White to pale-green speckling on leaves from sap-feeding; rarely severe on this low-growing species. Remove dead foliage in late autumn to reduce overwintering adults; a single spray of insecticidal soap in spring is usually sufficient.

Small colonies on new shoot tips cause mild leaf curling; rarely cause serious damage on established cleft phlox. Knock off with a water jet or hand-wipe; natural predators such as ladybirds usually keep populations in check without intervention.