Pest identification
What's eating my may night salvia?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on new flower stems causing sticky growth and potential sooty mold development.
Control: Strong water jet or insecticidal soap spray; neem oil for persistent infestations.
Spittlebugs (froghoppers)
Signs: Foamy white blobs on lower stems in late spring; plants show little lasting damage.
Control: Squirt off with a hose; rarely needs treatment beyond manual removal.
Slugs & snails
Signs: Ragged holes in basal leaves early in spring before the plant's essential oils build up.
Control: Iron-phosphate slug pellets; reduce mulch depth around crown; hand-pick at night.
Keep may night salvia pest-free
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May Night Salvia pests — FAQ
What is eating my may night salvia?
May Night Salvia (Salvia nemorosa 'Mainacht') is strongly aromatic and largely unattractive to deer and rabbits. Aphids on emerging flower spikes are the most common complaint; spittlebugs produce frothy masses on stems but cause little real harm. Slugs may nibble young spring growth before foliage matures.
How do I get rid of aphids on may night salvia?
Clusters on new flower stems causing sticky growth and potential sooty mold development. Strong water jet or insecticidal soap spray; neem oil for persistent infestations.
How do I get rid of spittlebugs (froghoppers) on may night salvia?
Foamy white blobs on lower stems in late spring; plants show little lasting damage. Squirt off with a hose; rarely needs treatment beyond manual removal.
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on may night salvia?
Ragged holes in basal leaves early in spring before the plant's essential oils build up. Iron-phosphate slug pellets; reduce mulch depth around crown; hand-pick at night.