What's eating my dianthus 'mrs sinkins'?

Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins', the beloved clove-scented old English pink, is susceptible to aphids, slugs, and carnation tortrix moth caterpillars. Aphids are the most common problem. The heritage calyx has a known tendency to split even without pest pressure, so distinguish physical splitting from insect damage.

Dense clusters on stems and buds; honeydew leads to sooty mould; flower buds deform or fail to open. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, targeting tops and undersides of stems. Introduce ladybirds or aphid-parasitic wasps as biological control.

Irregular holes eaten into foliage and flower stems near the base, especially in damp conditions. Apply iron phosphate pellets around the crown. Lay grit or crushed shell as a deterrent. Hand-pick after dark. Improve drainage.

Caterpillars web together and feed within shoot tips, which turn brown and papery; affected tips look pinched and desiccated. Unroll webbed tips by hand and crush larvae. Spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or a pyrethrin-based product if multiple plants are affected.