What's eating my geum 'mrs bradshaw'?

Geum 'Mrs Bradshaw' is targeted by geum sawfly larvae, aphids, and slugs. Sawfly is the headline threat: pale-green larvae strip foliage to bare veins in late May–June. Aphids cluster on soft growth, while slugs rasp young leaves. The plant usually recovers from moderate attacks, making monitoring and hand-picking the first line of defence.

Pale-green, spine-covered larvae skeletonise leaves or devour them entirely during late May–June, leaving bare veins; rapid defoliation in high numbers. Check plants weekly from late May; hand-pick larvae or knock into soapy water. Encourage birds and ground beetles as natural predators. Biological nematode drenches can reduce overwintering pupae in soil.

Colonies on stems and undersides of leaves cause puckered, distorted foliage and sticky honeydew. Blast off with a strong jet of water; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if colonies persist. Encourage ladybirds and lacewings.

Irregular ragged holes in leaves, especially on young spring growth; telltale slime trails nearby. Apply wildlife-safe ferric phosphate pellets around crowns; use copper tape on containers; collect at night. Keep crowns clear of thick mulch where slugs shelter.