Pest identification
What's eating my orange coneflower?
Aphids
Signs: Sticky honeydew on stems, yellowed and curled foliage
Control: Blast off with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray
Sawfly larvae
Signs: Leaf edges chewed in a characteristic skeletonizing pattern
Control: Hand-pick larvae; spray with pyrethrin-based insecticide if infestation is heavy
Slugs & snails
Signs: Ragged holes in young leaves and shoots; slime trails visible at night
Control: Scatter iron phosphate pellets; set beer traps; water early in the day
Deer
Signs: Flower heads and upper stems bitten off cleanly
Control: Use deer repellent spray; fence beds in high-pressure areas
Keep orange coneflower pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Orange coneflower pests — FAQ
What is eating my orange coneflower?
Orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida) is most commonly attacked by aphids and sawfly larvae that skeletonize leaves. Slugs damage young plants at ground level, and deer browse flowers in suburban settings. The species is generally tough; good spacing for airflow prevents most problems.
How do I get rid of aphids on orange coneflower?
Sticky honeydew on stems, yellowed and curled foliage Blast off with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray
How do I get rid of sawfly larvae on orange coneflower?
Leaf edges chewed in a characteristic skeletonizing pattern Hand-pick larvae; spray with pyrethrin-based insecticide if infestation is heavy
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on orange coneflower?
Ragged holes in young leaves and shoots; slime trails visible at night Scatter iron phosphate pellets; set beer traps; water early in the day
How do I get rid of deer on orange coneflower?
Flower heads and upper stems bitten off cleanly Use deer repellent spray; fence beds in high-pressure areas