What's eating my creeping phlox?

Creeping Phlox is largely trouble-free once established, but spider mites can cause bronzing in hot weather and root weevil larvae may damage roots in poorly drained soil. Rabbits occasionally graze the low foliage. Slugs hide under the dense mat in damp sites. Its low, mat-forming growth makes it hard for birds to cause significant damage.

Leaves develop a stippled, bronzed, dull appearance; fine webbing on undersides during dry spells. Increase watering during drought; forceful water spray to undersides; neem oil if mites persist.

Notching on leaf margins from adult feeding; larvae chew roots, causing wilting and plant collapse. Apply beneficial nematodes (Steinernema or Heterorhabditis spp.) to soil in late summer; remove affected plants.

Holes chewed in foliage; slime trails visible; worst in shaded or wet sites under the foliage mat. Iron phosphate bait placed around the mat edges; improve drainage to reduce damp shelter.