What's eating my lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart'?

'Gold Heart' bleeding heart is prized for its golden foliage, which is equally attractive to slugs and snails as the green-leafed types. Aphids and earwigs may damage the delicate stems and flowers. Deer browse the bright new growth readily. Protect young foliage in spring and the display will largely take care of itself.

Holes and ragged tears in the ornamental golden leaves; worst in wet springs and mulched or shaded beds. Iron phosphate slug pellets; copper tape edging; crushed eggshell or grit around crowns; nightly hand-picking.

Colonies on flower stems and young foliage cause curling and leave sticky honeydew deposits. Spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem; repeat as needed; introduce or attract ladybird beetles.

The bright golden shoots are particularly attractive to browsing deer in early spring. Spray with deer repellent; fence vulnerable clumps; plant among deer-resistant neighbours.