What's eating my kniphofia triangularis?

Kniphofia triangularis (dwarf red-hot poker) is relatively pest-resistant but slugs and snails attack emerging leaves in spring, and thrips can scar flower spikes in hot summers. Rabbits occasionally browse young foliage. Slugs and snails are the most damaging threat, especially to new growth.

Chewed and tattered leaf bases and young shoots; most damaging in wet spring conditions Apply iron phosphate pellets around crowns; hand-pick at night; improve drainage to reduce slug habitat

Silver-white streaking and stippling on flower spikes and upper leaf surfaces in warm, dry spells Remove and destroy affected flower spikes; introduce predatory mites (Amblyseius cucumeris); use insecticidal soap in severe cases

Clean-cut grazing of young leaves and flower stems, especially in early spring Install wire netting guards around clumps or use rabbit repellent spray around the planting area