What's eating my kniphofia 'little maid'?

Kniphofia 'Little Maid' is a compact, cream-flowered poker sharing typical genus pest risks. Slugs and snails are the primary threat, eating into crowns and causing rot. Thrips mark the creamy spikes with silver streaks in dry summers. Aphids may gather on stems. Its smaller stature makes crown protection especially important overwinter.

Crown and base-of-leaf damage; rot develops in wet conditions and can kill plants over winter. Encircle crowns with grit or sharp sand; use ferric phosphate pellets; ensure free-draining soil.

Silver-flecked, discoloured flower spikes — especially visible on pale cream 'Little Maid' flowers. Water plants during dry spells; apply neem oil spray; remove and destroy worst-affected spikes.

Small colonies on developing flower stems; stickiness and minor distortion of buds. Spray with insecticidal soap or water jet; attract ladybirds and hoverflies with nearby companion planting.