What's eating my creeping woodland phlox?

Creeping Woodland Phlox shares the shade-garden pest pressures of its relatives: slugs top the list in moist, wooded settings, followed by spider mites in drier spells and rabbit browsing in spring. Phlox plant bugs can stipple foliage. Its low, spreading habit makes it vulnerable to slug grazing across the whole mat after wet nights.

Irregular holes chewed through leaves; slime trails across the foliage mat after rain or irrigation. Apply iron phosphate slug bait around the plant perimeter; remove nearby debris; hand-pick at dusk.

Pale stippling and bronzing of leaves; fine webbing on undersides during warm, dry periods. Mist foliage during dry spells; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap on leaf undersides; improve air circulation.

Foliage and stems nibbled to the ground, especially in early spring when plants are actively growing. Use rabbit repellent sprays; install low wire mesh fencing or cylinders around vulnerable clumps.