Pest identification
What's eating my geranium cantabrigiense?
Vine weevil
Signs: Root destruction by cream grubs causes plants to wilt; adults cut characteristic notches in leaf edges.
Control: Drench soil with nematodes in late summer; lift and inspect roots if plants fail to thrive.
Slugs and snails
Signs: Chewed leaf margins and holes, slime trails on soil surface, mainly in spring and autumn.
Control: Scatter ferric phosphate pellets; apply a grit mulch around the crown; hand-pick in damp evenings.
Aphids
Signs: Sticky deposits and curled shoot tips; colonies visible on undersides of emerging leaves.
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or water jet; allow ladybirds and parasitic wasps to establish naturally.
Keep geranium cantabrigiense pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Geranium cantabrigiense pests — FAQ
What is eating my geranium cantabrigiense?
Geranium cantabrigiense is one of the toughest hardy geraniums and has few serious pest problems. Vine weevil grubs are the biggest hidden threat, slugs can damage spring growth, and aphids may appear on new shoots. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid it due to its aromatic foliage.
How do I get rid of vine weevil on geranium cantabrigiense?
Root destruction by cream grubs causes plants to wilt; adults cut characteristic notches in leaf edges. Drench soil with nematodes in late summer; lift and inspect roots if plants fail to thrive.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on geranium cantabrigiense?
Chewed leaf margins and holes, slime trails on soil surface, mainly in spring and autumn. Scatter ferric phosphate pellets; apply a grit mulch around the crown; hand-pick in damp evenings.
How do I get rid of aphids on geranium cantabrigiense?
Sticky deposits and curled shoot tips; colonies visible on undersides of emerging leaves. Spray with insecticidal soap or water jet; allow ladybirds and parasitic wasps to establish naturally.