What's eating my hardy cyclamen?

Hardy Cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) grows outdoors in UK and US gardens. Vine weevil is the primary threat — larvae devour the corm from below. Slugs and snails graze leaves and flowers in damp conditions. Squirrels and mice sometimes dig and eat the corms. Good drainage discourages several problems at once.

White C-shaped larvae eat into corms, causing sudden wilting and plant death; adult notches leaf margins Apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist soil in late summer or early autumn; use vine weevil biological control compost treatments; check corms when repotting

Ragged holes in leaves and flower buds; slime trails visible around the base; worst in wet weather Apply wildlife-safe slug pellets (ferric phosphate); use copper tape around containers; hand-pick at night; encourage hedgehogs and ground beetles

Corms dug up and partially or wholly eaten, especially after planting; plants disappear without other explanation Cover newly planted areas with wire mesh or chicken wire pinned flat; lift and move corms to a protected spot if attacks persist