Pest identification
What's eating my giant snowdrop?
Narcissus bulb fly (Merodon equestris)
Signs: Larva hollows out the bulb; plant either fails to emerge or produces thin grassy leaves with no flower
Control: Cover dying foliage with insect-proof mesh from late spring to midsummer when females lay eggs; destroy affected bulbs promptly
Narcissus eelworm (Ditylenchus dipsaci)
Signs: Puckered, twisted foliage with yellowish rings; soft, smelly bulbs when cut open
Control: Remove and bin (not compost) affected clumps; practice a 4-year rotation before replanting Galanthus in the same spot
Slugs & snails
Signs: Nibbled or shredded leaf tips and flower stalks on emerging shoots in late winter
Control: Apply iron phosphate slug bait; lay grit mulches; hand-pick after dark on mild, damp evenings
Keep giant snowdrop pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Giant Snowdrop pests — FAQ
What is eating my giant snowdrop?
Giant Snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii) shares the same principal threats as common snowdrop. Narcissus bulb fly is the most damaging pest, with larvae destroying bulbs from within. Narcissus eelworm causes distortion. Slugs nibble early shoots. The plant's alkaloid content (galantamine) makes it unpalatable to deer and rabbits.
How do I get rid of narcissus bulb fly (merodon equestris) on giant snowdrop?
Larva hollows out the bulb; plant either fails to emerge or produces thin grassy leaves with no flower Cover dying foliage with insect-proof mesh from late spring to midsummer when females lay eggs; destroy affected bulbs promptly
How do I get rid of narcissus eelworm (ditylenchus dipsaci) on giant snowdrop?
Puckered, twisted foliage with yellowish rings; soft, smelly bulbs when cut open Remove and bin (not compost) affected clumps; practice a 4-year rotation before replanting Galanthus in the same spot
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on giant snowdrop?
Nibbled or shredded leaf tips and flower stalks on emerging shoots in late winter Apply iron phosphate slug bait; lay grit mulches; hand-pick after dark on mild, damp evenings