What's eating my garden phlox 'david'?

Garden Phlox 'David' is highly resistant to powdery mildew but still attracts spider mites — its most troublesome pest. The phlox plant bug causes stippled, distorted leaves and is species-specific to phlox. Aphids and cutworms are secondary concerns. Good air circulation and adequate watering limit spider mite flare-ups.

Yellow pin-prick stippling on leaves progressing to bronze, papery foliage; fine webbing on undersides; worst in hot, dry summers. Water plants consistently to reduce stress; spray forcefully with water to dislodge mites; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, repeating every 5–7 days in hot spells.

Feeding causes white or yellowish stippling and distorted, cupped leaves; a distinctive pest that targets phlox specifically. Remove plant debris in autumn to destroy overwintering eggs; spray with pyrethrin or insecticidal soap when nymphs appear in late spring.

Soft colonies on young shoots and flower buds in spring cause leaf distortion and sticky honeydew residue. Knock off with a strong water jet; use insecticidal soap spray; attract or purchase beneficial insects such as ladybirds to keep populations in check.

Caterpillar larvae sever stems at soil level overnight, causing sudden collapse of young or newly planted phlox. Place physical collars (cardboard or plastic) around stem bases at planting; apply beneficial nematodes to soil; hand-pick larvae found by digging near damaged plants.