Pest identification
What's eating my eaton's firecracker?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on flower stalks and new shoot tips; distortion of buds and sticky honeydew.
Control: Spray off with water; use insecticidal soap if reinfestation occurs; avoid excess nitrogen.
Deer
Signs: Showy red flower spikes are attractive to deer; stalks are browsed or snapped at the base.
Control: Use repellent sprays or temporary wire cage protection when plants are in bud and bloom.
Keep eaton's firecracker pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Eaton's Firecracker pests — FAQ
What is eating my eaton's firecracker?
Eaton's Firecracker (Penstemon eatonii) is a rugged desert penstemon rarely troubled by pests when grown in dry, sunny conditions. Aphids can appear on flower stalks, and deer may browse the vivid red blooms. Root rot from overwatering is far more dangerous than insects. Ensure gritty, fast-draining soil and minimal supplemental irrigation.
How do I get rid of aphids on eaton's firecracker?
Clusters on flower stalks and new shoot tips; distortion of buds and sticky honeydew. Spray off with water; use insecticidal soap if reinfestation occurs; avoid excess nitrogen.
How do I get rid of deer on eaton's firecracker?
Showy red flower spikes are attractive to deer; stalks are browsed or snapped at the base. Use repellent sprays or temporary wire cage protection when plants are in bud and bloom.