What's eating my hyacinthus orientalis 'jan bos'?

Hyacinthus orientalis 'Jan Bos' (deep cerise) is affected by the same pest spectrum as other hyacinths. Slugs are the most consistent garden problem, attacking soft shoots. Aphids can build up rapidly on the dense flower spike. Vine weevil is the primary container threat. Squirrels disturb newly planted bulbs.

Chewed, tattered shoot tips on emergence; slug damage is worst in sheltered damp borders. Scatter iron phosphate pellets; use copper-ring pot protectors; remove leaf litter that shelters slugs.

Sticky honeydew coating florets; small green or black insects crowded between flowers. Spray with insecticidal soap early in the infestation; use yellow sticky traps to monitor; encourage lacewings.

Container bulbs fail to flower; grubs eat root system and outer bulb tissues. Apply pathogenic nematodes in early autumn to moist compost; inspect and destroy any grubs found at repotting.