What's eating my nymphaea 'escarboucle'?

Nymphaea 'Escarboucle', one of the finest deep-red hardy water lilies, faces the same aquatic pests as all Nymphaea cultivars. Water lily aphids are the most common threat, coating pads with dark colonies. Water lily beetles leave tell-tale grazing slots, China mark moth caterpillars cut pad sections, and waterfowl may graze pads in open ponds. Keep fish stocked to aid biological control.

Blackish aphid clusters on pads and buds; leaves yellow and curl; flower buds may abort before opening. Hose into pond water for fish to consume; submerge pads for 24 hours; never apply insecticide to pond water.

Brown elongated grazing tracks on the upper surface of pads; severe infestations cause pads to rot and sink. Wash larvae into water with a hose; submerge affected leaves; clear overwintering habitat (dead rushes, reeds) around pond margins.

Oval or round sections cut neatly from pads; caterpillars shelter in floating oval cases made from leaf fragments. Remove cases by hand; rely on fish predation; ensure pond has good coverage of surface plants to reduce moth egg-laying sites.

Flower buds and pads eaten; foliage torn; rhizomes disturbed or uprooted in shallow areas. Install monofilament lines 15 cm above water to deter landing; use cloches over new growth in early spring.