What's eating my kniphofia uvaria?

Kniphofia uvaria (red hot poker) is generally tough but thrips damage the flower spikes, causing streaked, silvery petals. Aphids cluster on emerging flower stems. Crown rot from slugs and snails gnawing at the base is the most destructive problem in wet winters. Birds, especially starlings, may pierce the tubular flowers for nectar.

Gnaw into the crown and bases of leaf fans, causing rot and plant collapse, worst in wet conditions. Apply ferric phosphate pellets around the crown in autumn and spring; improve drainage; mulch with grit.

Silver-flecked, streaked flower spikes and foliage; distorted buds in hot, dry spells. Keep plants well-watered during drought; introduce Amblyseius cucumeris; remove and destroy affected spikes.

Sticky colonies on emerging flower stems causing distorted buds and sooty mold. Spray with insecticidal soap or blast off with water; encourage natural predators such as ladybirds.

Holes pierced in tubular flowers to reach nectar; petals torn from florets. Drape fine-mesh netting over spikes during flowering if damage is severe; generally tolerate as low impact.