What's eating my lilafee epimedium?

Lilafee Epimedium is largely pest-resistant once established. The main risk comes from slugs rasping holes in tender spring leaves, with vine weevil larvae an occasional threat in container-grown specimens. Aphids may visit new growth briefly. This cultivar's leathery mature foliage greatly reduces ongoing pest pressure through the season.

Holes and scalloped margins on soft spring leaves; shiny slime trails on foliage and soil surface. Scatter iron phosphate pellets at the first sign of new growth in spring. Handpick in the evening or use beer traps near the crown.

Root feeding causes sudden wilting even when soil is moist; most damaging in pots or heavy clay. Drench soil with beneficial nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer when soil is still warm. Check container roots annually for C-shaped white grubs.

Small colonies on fresh shoot tips causing minor leaf curl; honeydew may encourage sooty mould. Knock off with a water jet; insecticidal soap if colonies persist. Rarely serious enough to need further action on established plants.