Pest identification
What's eating my hairy coreopsis?
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on flower buds and new leaves; honeydew and sooty mould on lower surfaces; distorted tips.
Control: Spray with water or insecticidal soap; introduce or encourage ladybirds and parasitic wasps.
Leafhoppers (aster yellows vector)
Signs: Discoloured foliage; deformed, sterile flowers with greened petals; overall decline.
Control: Remove infected plants; reduce weed cover near beds; sticky yellow traps to monitor and reduce leafhopper numbers.
Deer
Signs: Stems browsed and flower heads nipped off, especially at the woodland garden edge in spring.
Control: Apply deer repellent spray; use motion-activated deterrents; plant within a fenced garden area.
Keep hairy coreopsis pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Hairy Coreopsis pests — FAQ
What is eating my hairy coreopsis?
Hairy Coreopsis, a southeastern US woodland-edge native, shares coreopsis' modest pest profile. Aphids are the most consistent visitor, targeting soft buds and tips. Leafhoppers can spread aster yellows. The coarse, hairy foliage deters some generalist insect feeders. Deer occasionally browse it but it is not a preferred browse plant.
How do I get rid of aphids on hairy coreopsis?
Colonies on flower buds and new leaves; honeydew and sooty mould on lower surfaces; distorted tips. Spray with water or insecticidal soap; introduce or encourage ladybirds and parasitic wasps.
How do I get rid of leafhoppers (aster yellows vector) on hairy coreopsis?
Discoloured foliage; deformed, sterile flowers with greened petals; overall decline. Remove infected plants; reduce weed cover near beds; sticky yellow traps to monitor and reduce leafhopper numbers.
How do I get rid of deer on hairy coreopsis?
Stems browsed and flower heads nipped off, especially at the woodland garden edge in spring. Apply deer repellent spray; use motion-activated deterrents; plant within a fenced garden area.