What's eating my geum 'mrs. j. bradshaw'?

Geum 'Mrs. J. Bradshaw' is relatively pest-resilient but vine weevil grubs attacking the roots are the most damaging threat, especially in containers or heavy soils. Aphids cluster on flower stems, sawfly larvae shred foliage, and slugs target new spring growth. Vine weevil damage often goes unnoticed until plants collapse.

White C-shaped grubs eat roots and crown through autumn and winter; plant wilts and collapses with no warning; adults notch leaf margins. Apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist soil in late summer; use vine-weevil-safe compost in containers; check roots when repotting.

Clusters on young flower stems and buds stunt growth, leave sticky honeydew, and attract sooty mold. Insecticidal soap spray or a strong water jet; encourage ladybugs; neem oil as a preventive deterrent.

Small pale-green caterpillar-like larvae eat foliage from the margins, sometimes leaving only stems and veins. Check leaf undersides weekly from late spring; hand-pick larvae; spray with insecticidal soap for heavier infestations.

Emerging spring foliage and divided crowns shredded overnight; silvery slime trails are the telltale sign. Iron phosphate slug pellets around crowns at dusk; coarse grit or crushed shell mulch; nocturnal hand-picking.