Pest identification
What's eating my coreopsis 'zagreb'?
Aphids
Signs: Soft colonies on stems and near flower buds; leaves curl and turn yellow; sticky honeydew attracts ants and sooty mould.
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution. Introduce or attract ladybirds and lacewings. Knock off small colonies with a water jet.
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Fine stippling and yellowing of the feathery foliage; faint webbing at stem joints; worst in hot, dry conditions.
Control: Water plants regularly to raise ambient humidity. Spray undersides of foliage with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days.
Slugs and snails
Signs: Irregular holes in young emerging growth and basal foliage in spring; silvery slime trails present.
Control: Apply iron phosphate pellets around plants. Lay a ring of coarse grit or crushed shell. Hand-pick after dark in wet weather.
Keep coreopsis 'zagreb' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Coreopsis 'Zagreb' pests — FAQ
What is eating my coreopsis 'zagreb'?
Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' is a resilient, drought-tolerant perennial with few serious pest problems. Aphids and spider mites are the most common culprits, causing yellowing leaves or sticky deposits. Slugs and snails may graze young growth in spring. The plant's fine, thread-like foliage makes heavy pest damage uncommon.
How do I get rid of aphids on coreopsis 'zagreb'?
Soft colonies on stems and near flower buds; leaves curl and turn yellow; sticky honeydew attracts ants and sooty mould. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution. Introduce or attract ladybirds and lacewings. Knock off small colonies with a water jet.
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on coreopsis 'zagreb'?
Fine stippling and yellowing of the feathery foliage; faint webbing at stem joints; worst in hot, dry conditions. Water plants regularly to raise ambient humidity. Spray undersides of foliage with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on coreopsis 'zagreb'?
Irregular holes in young emerging growth and basal foliage in spring; silvery slime trails present. Apply iron phosphate pellets around plants. Lay a ring of coarse grit or crushed shell. Hand-pick after dark in wet weather.