Pest identification
What's eating my monarda 'marshall's delight'?
Aphids
Signs: Green or black soft insects on soft shoot tips; leaves curl downward; sticky honeydew and possible sooty mold
Control: Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like lacewing larvae
Thrips
Signs: Petal edges show silver-brown scarring and streaks; flower buds distort or fail to open; tiny insects visible in blooms
Control: Remove affected flower heads; apply spinosad spray in early morning; use blue sticky traps to detect and reduce adults
Rabbits
Signs: Clean-cut stems and leaves removed at ground level in spring when growth is soft and low
Control: Use wire mesh barriers (50 cm / 20 in tall) around the plant clump; apply rabbit repellent to surrounding ground
Keep monarda 'marshall's delight' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats scarlet bee balm — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common monarda 'marshall's delight' problems & fixes
- Monarda 'Marshall's Delight' watering schedule
- Monarda 'Marshall's Delight' light requirements
- Full monarda 'marshall's delight' care guide
Monarda 'Marshall's Delight' pests — FAQ
What is eating my monarda 'marshall's delight'?
Monarda 'Marshall's Delight' is a mildew-resistant cultivar prized for its pink blooms. Aphids are the most consistent insect pest, clustering on new growth. Thrips can damage flowers, and deer or rabbits may graze emerging stems in spring. Its strong aromatic foliage deters many chewing insects that trouble non-aromatic garden perennials.
How do I get rid of aphids on monarda 'marshall's delight'?
Green or black soft insects on soft shoot tips; leaves curl downward; sticky honeydew and possible sooty mold Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like lacewing larvae
How do I get rid of thrips on monarda 'marshall's delight'?
Petal edges show silver-brown scarring and streaks; flower buds distort or fail to open; tiny insects visible in blooms Remove affected flower heads; apply spinosad spray in early morning; use blue sticky traps to detect and reduce adults
How do I get rid of rabbits on monarda 'marshall's delight'?
Clean-cut stems and leaves removed at ground level in spring when growth is soft and low Use wire mesh barriers (50 cm / 20 in tall) around the plant clump; apply rabbit repellent to surrounding ground