What's eating my mountain phlox?

Mountain Phlox (Phlox ovata) faces the standard perennial-phlox pest suite: spider mites are the most serious threat, especially in hot dry summers, followed by phlox plant bugs and aphids. Its naturally compact, low habit can reduce air-flow and make mite infestations worse if plants are overcrowded. Thin clumps every few years to help.

Yellow stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; foliage discolours and can drop prematurely in bad attacks. Spray the undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil at 7–10 day intervals; water regularly during dry spells to reduce plant stress.

Pale speckling and distorted, browning leaves; buds may fail to open fully. Rake up and dispose of all plant debris in autumn; treat emerging nymphs with insecticidal soap in spring before damage escalates.

Dense colonies on stem tips and flower buds cause curled leaves, sticky honeydew, and sooty mould. Blast off with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if colonies persist; encourage parasitic wasps and ladybirds.