Pest identification
What's eating my meadow fountain grass?
Aphids
Signs: Sticky honeydew on foliage, curled or distorted new shoots, possible sooty mold developing on leaf surfaces
Control: Blast off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; encourage ladybirds and lacewings as natural predators
Armyworm caterpillars (Spodoptera spp.)
Signs: Ragged chewing damage on leaf blades, brown skeletonized patches, frass visible at the base of clumps
Control: Hand-pick caterpillars in the evening; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray to foliage at first sign; for severe infestations use a pyrethrin-based insecticide
Deer
Signs: Foliage browsed to the ground, especially in autumn and winter when other food is scarce
Control: Surround clumps with wire caging when establishing; apply deer-repellent sprays regularly; plant en masse as deer tend to avoid large drifts of ornamental grass
Keep meadow fountain grass pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
meadow fountain grass pests — FAQ
What is eating my meadow fountain grass?
Meadow fountain grass (Pennisetum incomptum) is generally pest-resistant, but aphid colonies on new shoots and armyworm caterpillars chewing through leaf blades are the most frequent problems. Deer will browse it occasionally. The plant's vigorous growth usually outpaces minor infestations; heavy pest pressure is uncommon in well-sited plantings.
How do I get rid of aphids on meadow fountain grass?
Sticky honeydew on foliage, curled or distorted new shoots, possible sooty mold developing on leaf surfaces Blast off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; encourage ladybirds and lacewings as natural predators
How do I get rid of armyworm caterpillars (spodoptera spp.) on meadow fountain grass?
Ragged chewing damage on leaf blades, brown skeletonized patches, frass visible at the base of clumps Hand-pick caterpillars in the evening; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray to foliage at first sign; for severe infestations use a pyrethrin-based insecticide
How do I get rid of deer on meadow fountain grass?
Foliage browsed to the ground, especially in autumn and winter when other food is scarce Surround clumps with wire caging when establishing; apply deer-repellent sprays regularly; plant en masse as deer tend to avoid large drifts of ornamental grass