Pest identification
What's eating my gladiolus 'impressive'?
Gladiolus thrips (Thrips simplex)
Signs: Silver-streaked, distorted petals; stippled leaves; infested corms show dark flecks in storage
Control: Dust corms with insecticide before storage and planting; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap at bud stage
Aphids
Signs: Sticky honeydew on stems; curled or yellowing upper leaves; sooty mould may follow
Control: Blast off with water; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; attract natural predators like lacewings
Slugs and snails
Signs: Ragged holes in emerging shoots and young leaves, especially in wet weather
Control: Apply slug pellets (ferric phosphate) around plants; use copper tape around containers; hand-pick at night
Keep gladiolus 'impressive' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Gladiolus 'Impressive' pests — FAQ
What is eating my gladiolus 'impressive'?
Gladiolus 'Impressive' is most threatened by thrips, which rasp petals and distort blooms. Aphids cluster on stems, slugs shred young foliage, and gladiolus thrips can overwinter in stored corms. Inspect corms before planting and treat with a dust insecticide to protect this striking bicolour variety.
How do I get rid of gladiolus thrips (thrips simplex) on gladiolus 'impressive'?
Silver-streaked, distorted petals; stippled leaves; infested corms show dark flecks in storage Dust corms with insecticide before storage and planting; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap at bud stage
How do I get rid of aphids on gladiolus 'impressive'?
Sticky honeydew on stems; curled or yellowing upper leaves; sooty mould may follow Blast off with water; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; attract natural predators like lacewings
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on gladiolus 'impressive'?
Ragged holes in emerging shoots and young leaves, especially in wet weather Apply slug pellets (ferric phosphate) around plants; use copper tape around containers; hand-pick at night