Pest identification
What's eating my marshmallow?
Flea beetles
Signs: Tiny round holes scattered across leaves giving a shot-hole appearance; seedlings most vulnerable
Control: Row covers over young plants; sticky traps; diatomaceous earth around the base; encourage ground beetles
Aphids
Signs: Dense colonies on undersides of leaves and shoot tips; yellowing, curled foliage and sooty mould
Control: Blast with water; insecticidal soap spray; introduce parasitic wasps or ladybirds to the garden
Caterpillars (various Lepidoptera)
Signs: Large irregular holes in leaves or complete defoliation of individual stems; frass visible below
Control: Hand-pick eggs and caterpillars; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; encourage birds near the planting
Rabbits
Signs: Clean-cut stems and leaves eaten to ground level, especially on young plants in spring
Control: Wire mesh barriers around new plants; rabbit-proof fencing for beds; reapply plant-safe repellent sprays after rain
Keep marshmallow pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Marshmallow pests — FAQ
What is eating my marshmallow?
Marshmallow's large, soft leaves attract flea beetles, aphids, and caterpillars, while slugs target young plants at soil level. Japanese beetles (US) can skeletonise foliage. Rabbits will browse tender new growth. Its mucilaginous leaves make thorough spray coverage important when treating pests, as coatings repel some organic sprays.
How do I get rid of flea beetles on marshmallow?
Tiny round holes scattered across leaves giving a shot-hole appearance; seedlings most vulnerable Row covers over young plants; sticky traps; diatomaceous earth around the base; encourage ground beetles
How do I get rid of aphids on marshmallow?
Dense colonies on undersides of leaves and shoot tips; yellowing, curled foliage and sooty mould Blast with water; insecticidal soap spray; introduce parasitic wasps or ladybirds to the garden
How do I get rid of caterpillars (various lepidoptera) on marshmallow?
Large irregular holes in leaves or complete defoliation of individual stems; frass visible below Hand-pick eggs and caterpillars; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; encourage birds near the planting
How do I get rid of rabbits on marshmallow?
Clean-cut stems and leaves eaten to ground level, especially on young plants in spring Wire mesh barriers around new plants; rabbit-proof fencing for beds; reapply plant-safe repellent sprays after rain