Pest identification
What's eating my gaillardia 'arizona sun'?
Aster Leafhopper (Macrosteles quadrilineatus)
Signs: Vectors aster yellows causing stunted rosette growth, green flowers (virescence), and witch's broom; leafhopper feeding itself causes pale stippling
Control: Immediately remove and bag infected plants; reflective mulch deters leafhoppers; insecticidal soap spray on undersides where nymphs feed
Aphids
Signs: Soft colonies on tender new growth and bud stems; honeydew and sooty mold; minor leaf curl
Control: Strong directed water jet; one or two applications of insecticidal soap; attract hoverflies with nearby umbellifers
Slugs & Snails
Signs: Ragged holes in basal foliage and young stems, particularly after wet weather or irrigation
Control: Iron phosphate slug pellets around the crown; copper tape barrier; hand-pick at night; ensure good drainage to reduce slug habitat
Keep gaillardia 'arizona sun' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun' pests — FAQ
What is eating my gaillardia 'arizona sun'?
Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun' is bred for heat and drought tolerance and carries reasonable pest resistance. The main risk is aster yellows phytoplasma transmitted by leafhoppers — infected plants must be removed immediately. Aphids may colonise new growth in spring. Good drainage and full sun keep plants vigorous and reduce overall pest susceptibility.
How do I get rid of aster leafhopper (macrosteles quadrilineatus) on gaillardia 'arizona sun'?
Vectors aster yellows causing stunted rosette growth, green flowers (virescence), and witch's broom; leafhopper feeding itself causes pale stippling Immediately remove and bag infected plants; reflective mulch deters leafhoppers; insecticidal soap spray on undersides where nymphs feed
How do I get rid of aphids on gaillardia 'arizona sun'?
Soft colonies on tender new growth and bud stems; honeydew and sooty mold; minor leaf curl Strong directed water jet; one or two applications of insecticidal soap; attract hoverflies with nearby umbellifers
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on gaillardia 'arizona sun'?
Ragged holes in basal foliage and young stems, particularly after wet weather or irrigation Iron phosphate slug pellets around the crown; copper tape barrier; hand-pick at night; ensure good drainage to reduce slug habitat