What's eating my kniphofia 'tawny king'?

Kniphofia 'Tawny King' shares the genus's typical vulnerabilities: slugs and snails gnaw at the crown, causing rot especially in wet winters; thrips scar flower spikes in hot summers; and aphids colonise emerging stems. Birds may also pierce the tubular flowers. Slug and snail control around the crown is the most important defense.

Crown and leaf-base damage leading to rot; worst after warm, wet winters. Use ferric phosphate pellets around the crown; improve drainage; cover crowns with dry grit overwinter.

Silver streaking and stippling on flower petals and foliage; distorted buds in dry summers. Ensure adequate watering; apply neem oil spray in early morning; remove severely damaged spikes.

Soft insect colonies on new flower stems; honeydew and sooty mold coating leaves. Knock off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap spray; foster ladybird populations.