Pest identification
What's eating my grosso lavender?
Aphids
Signs: Soft clusters on tender shoot tips; honeydew leads to sooty mould; minor distortion of new growth.
Control: Dislodge with water jet; insecticidal soap or introduce ladybirds; avoid excess nitrogen feed.
Spittlebugs / froghoppers
Signs: White foamy blobs on stems in late spring; nymph sucks sap but causes little lasting damage on large, established plants.
Control: Wash off with water — sufficient on its own; no insecticide needed.
Rosemary beetle (Chrysolina americana)
Signs: Adults and larvae occasionally strip leaves; less preferred than true lavender but will feed on lavandin.
Control: Hand-pick; shake plant over a sheet; check under foliage from late summer onward.
Keep grosso lavender pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Grosso Lavender pests — FAQ
What is eating my grosso lavender?
Grosso lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia 'Grosso') is a vigorous, highly aromatic hybrid with strong natural pest resistance — its camphor-rich oils repel many insects. Aphids and spittlebugs are the most common visitors; rosemary beetle can feed on it but tends to prefer angustifolia types. Pollinators adore mass plantings of this cultivar.
How do I get rid of aphids on grosso lavender?
Soft clusters on tender shoot tips; honeydew leads to sooty mould; minor distortion of new growth. Dislodge with water jet; insecticidal soap or introduce ladybirds; avoid excess nitrogen feed.
How do I get rid of spittlebugs / froghoppers on grosso lavender?
White foamy blobs on stems in late spring; nymph sucks sap but causes little lasting damage on large, established plants. Wash off with water — sufficient on its own; no insecticide needed.
How do I get rid of rosemary beetle (chrysolina americana) on grosso lavender?
Adults and larvae occasionally strip leaves; less preferred than true lavender but will feed on lavandin. Hand-pick; shake plant over a sheet; check under foliage from late summer onward.