What's eating my frohnleiten epimedium?

Frohnleiten Epimedium, a vigorous semi-evergreen hybrid, faces minimal pest pressure. Slugs are the chief nuisance, targeting the flush of tender growth in early spring before foliage hardens. Vine weevil larvae can attack roots in containers. Aphids occasionally visit new shoots but rarely cause significant harm to this tough cultivar.

Holes and notched leaf margins on spring foliage; silvery mucus trails on leaves and adjacent soil. Apply iron phosphate bait in early spring before new leaves fully expand. Beer traps and handpicking at dusk are effective organic alternatives.

Root damage causes wilting and poor growth especially in container-grown specimens; adult weevils notch leaf edges nocturnally. Drench soil with beneficial nematodes in late summer. Use vine weevil-resistant compost and inspect pot roots yearly for cream grubs.

Soft colonies on new shoot tips; mild leaf distortion and honeydew stickiness in spring. Strong water jet dislodges most colonies. Insecticidal soap if persistent. Rarely needs further treatment on ground-planted specimens.