Pest identification
What's eating my coreopsis grandiflora 'early sunrise'?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of soft insects on new growth and flower buds; sticky honeydew and distorted shoots.
Control: Blast off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; encourage ladybirds and lacewings.
Spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata)
Signs: Ragged notches eaten from petals and leaves; adults visible on flowers in midsummer.
Control: Hand-pick adults in the morning; use row covers early in season; apply pyrethrin as a last resort.
Leafhoppers
Signs: Stippled, pale-flecked foliage; plants may look bleached or scorched from a distance.
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove weedy hosts nearby; reflective mulch deters adults.
Keep coreopsis grandiflora 'early sunrise' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Coreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise' pests — FAQ
What is eating my coreopsis grandiflora 'early sunrise'?
Coreopsis 'Early Sunrise' is relatively pest-resistant, but aphids and spotted cucumber beetles are the main threats in the garden. Deer and rabbits generally ignore it. Keep plants healthy with good air circulation and inspect stems and flower buds regularly through summer for the earliest signs of trouble.
How do I get rid of aphids on coreopsis grandiflora 'early sunrise'?
Clusters of soft insects on new growth and flower buds; sticky honeydew and distorted shoots. Blast off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; encourage ladybirds and lacewings.
How do I get rid of spotted cucumber beetle (diabrotica undecimpunctata) on coreopsis grandiflora 'early sunrise'?
Ragged notches eaten from petals and leaves; adults visible on flowers in midsummer. Hand-pick adults in the morning; use row covers early in season; apply pyrethrin as a last resort.
How do I get rid of leafhoppers on coreopsis grandiflora 'early sunrise'?
Stippled, pale-flecked foliage; plants may look bleached or scorched from a distance. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove weedy hosts nearby; reflective mulch deters adults.