What's eating my geranium 'patricia'?

Geranium 'Patricia' (a vigorous magenta-flowered hybrid) is trouble-free in most gardens. Vine weevil is the most significant threat, particularly in containers. Slugs can damage young spring growth, sawfly larvae have occasionally been reported grazing geranium foliage, and rabbits may browse new growth in exposed gardens.

Larvae consume roots from late summer through spring, causing the plant to wilt and die back unexpectedly; adults notch leaf margins. Apply Steinernema kraussei nematodes to moist soil in August–September; knock plants out of pots in autumn and remove any visible grubs.

Holes eaten into young leaves and soft stems, particularly during damp spring weather when plants are just emerging. Set out iron phosphate pellets in early spring; hand-pick after dark; mulch with sharp grit to deter movement around crowns.

Clean-cut browsing of young stems at ground level, most common in spring when growth is soft and palatable. Protect beds with wire mesh fencing buried 30 cm into soil and extending 90 cm above ground; apply rabbit repellent around plants.