What's eating my nicholas hakone grass?

Nicholas Hakone Grass (Hakonechloa macra 'Nicolas') has the same excellent pest resistance shared across the species. Slugs and snails pose the main risk in the moist, shaded spots this grass favours. Aphids may occasionally appear on new growth, and spider mites can occur in hot dry spells. Deer generally leave it alone.

Ragged holes and chewed margins on leaf blades; silvery slime trails visible in morning; damage is worst in cool, damp, shaded planting positions. Scatter iron phosphate pellets around clumps; hand-pick at night. Reduce moisture retention at the crown by pulling back dense mulch. Encourage ground beetles.

Small soft insects on emerging shoots; sticky honeydew deposit and slight leaf distortion on young growth. Blast off with water; apply insecticidal soap if colonies persist. Natural enemies normally prevent build-up to damaging levels.

Pale speckling on leaf blades; fine webbing on undersides in unusually dry or hot conditions; more likely in containers than open ground. Keep plants evenly moist and site away from reflected heat. Spray undersides with water; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation develops.