Pest identification
What's eating my king of hearts brunnera?
Slugs and snails
Signs: Holes chewed in leaf tissue, particularly in spring on young growth; slime trails on leaves and soil
Control: Scatter iron phosphate slug pellets; hand-pick after dark; use gritty mulch around crowns to deter slugs
Sawfly larvae
Signs: Patches of leaf tissue eaten or leaves skeletonized; pale green larvae visible on undersides
Control: Hand-remove larvae; use neem oil spray as a deterrent; check plants regularly from late spring
Vine weevil
Signs: Scalloped notches on leaf edges; root and crown damage causing wilting, mainly in containers
Control: Apply nematode drench (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer for container plants; inspect roots annually
Keep king of hearts brunnera pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
King of Hearts Brunnera pests — FAQ
What is eating my king of hearts brunnera?
King of Hearts Brunnera is a tough, low-maintenance shade perennial. Slugs and snails are the chief pest, chewing holes in the attractive heart-shaped leaves. Sawfly larvae occasionally graze foliage. Vine weevil can affect roots in pots. Overall, this cultivar is notably pest-resistant; iron phosphate slug pellets are usually sufficient.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on king of hearts brunnera?
Holes chewed in leaf tissue, particularly in spring on young growth; slime trails on leaves and soil Scatter iron phosphate slug pellets; hand-pick after dark; use gritty mulch around crowns to deter slugs
How do I get rid of sawfly larvae on king of hearts brunnera?
Patches of leaf tissue eaten or leaves skeletonized; pale green larvae visible on undersides Hand-remove larvae; use neem oil spray as a deterrent; check plants regularly from late spring
How do I get rid of vine weevil on king of hearts brunnera?
Scalloped notches on leaf edges; root and crown damage causing wilting, mainly in containers Apply nematode drench (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer for container plants; inspect roots annually