What's eating my nymphaea 'attraction'?

Like all hardy water lilies, Nymphaea 'Attraction' faces attack from water lily aphids (which blacken and distort leaves), water lily beetles whose larvae graze the upper leaf surface, and China mark moth caterpillars that cut and roll leaf pieces. Avoid pond pesticides — physical controls protect fish and amphibians. Aphids are the most frequent problem.

Dense colonies of dark aphids on pads and flower buds; leaves yellow, mottle, and curl; flowers may fail to open fully. Hose colonies off pads into the water so fish eat them; briefly submerge leaves for 24 hours; avoid chemical sprays in pond.

Adults and dark larvae graze the upper leaf surface leaving elongated brown slots; heavily skeletonised leaves rot and sink. Hose larvae off with water; submerge leaves briefly; remove overwintering adults from pond-side vegetation in autumn.

Round holes cut in pads as caterpillars harvest leaf pieces to make portable protective cases; characteristic disc-shaped cut-outs. Pick off visible cases and destroy; hose caterpillars into the water for fish to eat; no chemical treatment needed in most ponds.

Leaves, stems, and flower buds torn and eaten; pads shredded; entire plants uprooted in small ponds. Stretch monofilament line or garden netting 15 cm above the water surface to deter landing; grow lilies in submerged baskets with ballast.