Pest identification
What's eating my horned violet?
Aphids
Signs: Soft shoot tips colonised by green or black aphids; honeydew, sooty mould, and distorted buds.
Control: Remove with strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage hoverflies and ladybugs.
Pansy sawfly (Macremphytus testaceus)
Signs: Larvae skeletonise foliage, leaving a network of veins; heavy attacks defoliate plants.
Control: Hand-pick larvae; use pyrethrum spray for larger infestations; clear plant debris in autumn.
Slugs and snails
Signs: Ragged holes in leaves and petals; slime trails across soil and foliage.
Control: Use iron phosphate pellets; water in the morning so soil dries by evening; hand-pick at night.
Keep horned violet pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Horned violet pests — FAQ
What is eating my horned violet?
Horned violet (Viola cornuta) is most commonly attacked by aphids and violet sawfly. Slugs and snails graze leaves and flowers at soil level, especially in cool damp weather. Pansy leaf spot and powdery mildew can weaken plants but the greatest direct pest damage usually comes from aphid colonies on new growth.
How do I get rid of aphids on horned violet?
Soft shoot tips colonised by green or black aphids; honeydew, sooty mould, and distorted buds. Remove with strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage hoverflies and ladybugs.
How do I get rid of pansy sawfly (macremphytus testaceus) on horned violet?
Larvae skeletonise foliage, leaving a network of veins; heavy attacks defoliate plants. Hand-pick larvae; use pyrethrum spray for larger infestations; clear plant debris in autumn.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on horned violet?
Ragged holes in leaves and petals; slime trails across soil and foliage. Use iron phosphate pellets; water in the morning so soil dries by evening; hand-pick at night.