What's eating my geum 'totally tangerine'?

Geum 'Totally Tangerine' is a vigorous but pest-susceptible hybrid. Vine weevil grubs are the most serious threat, silently destroying roots in containers. Aphids colonize flower stems, slugs eat new crowns in spring, and sawfly larvae can defoliate individual clumps. Regular division and root inspection help catch problems early.

Root-feeding grubs cause sudden wilting and plant death, particularly in container-grown specimens during autumn and winter. Apply Steinernema kraussei nematodes to damp compost/soil in late August or September; inspect roots at repotting; avoid waterlogged conditions.

Dense clusters on emerging flower stems cause distorted growth and a sticky honeydew residue on foliage below. Knock off with water jet; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil; ladybugs and parasitic wasps provide effective natural control.

Ragged holes in young foliage and crown damage at soil level; worst in wet spring conditions. Iron phosphate pellets applied at dusk around crowns; sharp grit mulch; hand-pick at night after rainfall.

Pale larvae consume leaf tissue rapidly, producing skeletonized or fully eaten leaves on individual stems. Inspect leaves from late spring; hand-remove larval clusters; insecticidal soap spray on both sides of the leaf.