What's eating my golden sage?

Golden sage faces a handful of outdoor garden pests, though its aromatic oils deter many insects. The most common threats are rosemary beetles, spittlebugs, aphids, and spider mites. Rosemary beetle is the headline pest in UK gardens, feeding on leaves and flowers from late summer onward. Good airflow and hand-picking keep most problems in check.

Metallic-striped adults and grey larvae chew leaves and flowers, causing ragged foliage and defoliation from late summer through spring. Hand-pick adults and larvae into soapy water; remove overwintering debris. Pyrethrum-based sprays in the evening if infestations are heavy.

Nymphs hide in white frothy 'cuckoo spit' on stems and leaf axils, sucking sap and causing minor wilting or distorted shoot tips. Dislodge froth and nymphs with a strong jet of water. Rarely severe enough to need further treatment on established plants.

Clusters of small soft-bodied insects on new growth and leaf undersides cause curled, yellowing leaves and sticky honeydew. Knock off with a water jet or apply insecticidal soap. Encourage ladybirds and lacewings as natural predators.

Pale speckling on upper leaf surfaces; fine webbing visible on undersides in hot, dry conditions. Increase humidity, spray with water. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation persists.