What's eating my helleborus orientalis 'ivory prince'?

'Ivory Prince' hellebore is deer- and rabbit-resistant due to its toxic compounds. Aphids are the most common pest, appearing on fresh stems and buds from late winter. Vine weevil poses a risk to container-grown plants. Occasional slug damage occurs on emerging leaves. It is one of the lowest-maintenance hellebores for pest management in the open garden.

Pale colonies on new growth and undersides of leaves in late winter to spring; sticky residue and sooty mould. Remove and compost heavily affected old foliage in late winter; spray with insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators.

Characteristic notched leaf margins at night; larvae eat roots and can kill container plants. Apply Steinernema nematode soil drench in late summer; check roots when repotting; use vine-weevil-free growing media.

Ragged holes in soft new foliage emerging in autumn and late winter. Apply iron phosphate pellets around crowns; hand-pick in wet weather at night; avoid thick bark mulch next to crowns.