What's eating my downy phlox?

Downy Phlox (Phlox pilosa) has few serious insect problems but attracts the phlox plant bug, four-lined plant bug, and a phlox-specific aphid. Rabbits, deer, and groundhogs regularly browse the delicate foliage and flowers, especially before plants are well-established. Physical barriers are the most reliable defence against animal damage.

Foliage and flower heads nipped cleanly, sometimes to the ground; damage worse on young or newly planted specimens. Use wire mesh cloches or rabbit-proof fencing around plants until established; repellent sprays offer short-term deterrence.

White or pale speckling on leaves; distorted buds and early leaf drop from sap-sucking feeding. Remove and bin dead autumn stems to destroy overwintering eggs; spray with insecticidal soap in spring when nymphs emerge.

Circular, depressed, dark-green to brown spots on leaves from toxic saliva injected during feeding. Inspect undersides of leaves in late spring; pick off nymphs by hand or apply pyrethrin; plants typically recover after feeding period ends in June.

Colonies on stems and new growth cause curled, yellowed leaves and stunted shoots. Knock off with a firm water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to persistent colonies; attract natural predators such as ladybirds.