What's eating my meadow phlox?

Meadow Phlox (Phlox maculata) is most troubled by spider mites in hot, dry spells and by phlox plant bugs throughout the growing season. Aphids cluster on new growth, and Japanese beetles skeletonize foliage in midsummer. Rabbits and deer will browse young plants, so netting newly-established clumps gives the best protection.

Tiny stippled yellow dots on upper leaf surfaces, fine webbing on undersides; leaves dry and brown in severe cases. Spray undersides of foliage with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7–10 days for at least two rounds; avoid drought stress which promotes outbreaks.

Reddish-orange and black nymphs and adults cause white or pale-green speckling on leaves and distorted, dropping buds. Cut back and dispose of dead stems in autumn to remove overwintering eggs; spray with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin at first sign of adults in spring.

Colonies on stems, leaves, and buds cause curling, yellowing foliage and sticky honeydew. Knock off with a strong water jet; treat persistent infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybirds and lacewings.

Skeletonizes leaves by eating tissue between veins, leaving lacy, brown remnants; damage peaks mid-July. Hand-pick beetles in the early morning; use pheromone traps placed well away from the plant; neem oil or pyrethrin spray as a last resort.