What's eating my farewell-to-spring?

Clarkia amoena, a California native annual, has few serious pests but is bothered by aphids on tender tips, whitefly in warm regions, and flea beetles that pepper leaves with small holes. Slugs attack seedlings. It is generally more pest-resistant than many annuals when grown in cool conditions.

Soft shoot tips and flower buds colonised; curled, distorted leaves; sticky honeydew deposit Spray with water or insecticidal soap; pinch out severely infested tips; encourage ladybirds and parasitic wasps

Numerous tiny round shot-holes in leaves, especially seedlings; heavy attacks can weaken young plants significantly Protect seedlings with row cover fleece; apply diatomaceous earth around plants; keep soil moist as dry conditions favor beetles

Seedlings eaten at soil level or leaves ragged with slime trails; worst in wet spring weather Use iron phosphate pellets; clear debris where slugs hide; hand-pick at night; sow seed in modules to establish larger transplants