Pest identification
What's eating my crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'jackanapes'?
Two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Fine pale stippling and bronzing of leaves; fine webbing on undersides in hot, dry spells
Control: Boost humidity; spray undersides with water; apply insecticidal soap or introduce Phytoseiulus persimilis predatory mites
Slugs and snails
Signs: Shoots shredded at ground level as they emerge in spring
Control: Apply iron phosphate pellets around corms in spring; hand-pick at dusk
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on flower stems and bracts; honeydew and sooty mould on upper surfaces
Control: Remove by hand or with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap if colonies persist
Keep crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'jackanapes' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Jackanapes' pests — FAQ
What is eating my crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'jackanapes'?
Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Jackanapes' is largely trouble-free, but spider mites can bronze foliage in hot dry summers, and slugs attack emerging shoots in spring. Aphids occasionally colonise flower stems. The most reliable threat in both US and UK gardens is spider mite damage during summer heat.
How do I get rid of two-spotted spider mite (tetranychus urticae) on crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'jackanapes'?
Fine pale stippling and bronzing of leaves; fine webbing on undersides in hot, dry spells Boost humidity; spray undersides with water; apply insecticidal soap or introduce Phytoseiulus persimilis predatory mites
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'jackanapes'?
Shoots shredded at ground level as they emerge in spring Apply iron phosphate pellets around corms in spring; hand-pick at dusk
How do I get rid of aphids on crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'jackanapes'?
Colonies on flower stems and bracts; honeydew and sooty mould on upper surfaces Remove by hand or with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap if colonies persist