What's eating my dwarf tulip?

Dwarf tulips (Tulipa humilis) are compact species tulips that naturalise well in gravel or rock gardens. Rodents remain the main threat to the small bulbs. Slugs can damage low-growing petals and leaves. Aphids are occasionally a nuisance. The species is naturally resilient and less heavily attacked than large hybrid tulips.

Small bulbs dug up and eaten; gaps appear in naturalized colonies each year. Plant through wire mesh laid in the base of the planting trench; deep planting deters casual digging.

Holes in the small petals and basal leaves; worst in damp, mild springs. Iron-phosphate pellets; plant in sharp-drained grit where slugs are less active; hand-pick at night.

Colonies on flower stems; honeydew and potential virus risk to naturalised patches. Insecticidal soap spray; encourage ladybirds; remove badly infested stems after flowering.