Pest identification
What's eating my orpine?
Aphids
Signs: Soft green or black insects on new growth tips; honeydew; stunted shoot development
Control: Hose off with water; introduce or attract natural predators; use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray if infestation persists
Vine weevil (grubs)
Signs: Sudden wilting; crown detaches from eaten roots; grubs visible in soil
Control: Apply pathogenic nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer; improve drainage to deter adults from laying eggs
Slugs and snails
Signs: New spring shoots nibbled to stubs; slime trails visible
Control: Use ferric phosphate pellets; create rough-surface barriers; hand-collect after dark or in wet weather
Caterpillars
Signs: Ragged holes in leaves; leaf edges chewed; frass (droppings) visible
Control: Inspect and remove by hand; apply Bacillus thuringiensis spray for larger populations
Keep orpine pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Orpine pests — FAQ
What is eating my orpine?
Orpine (Hylotelephium telephium) is a garden perennial grown in borders and wildflower plots. Aphids are the most frequent pest, attacking new shoots. Vine weevil grubs damage roots from below. Slugs eat emerging spring growth. Caterpillars occasionally attack foliage. Deer and rabbits may browse plants in rural gardens when other food is scarce.
How do I get rid of aphids on orpine?
Soft green or black insects on new growth tips; honeydew; stunted shoot development Hose off with water; introduce or attract natural predators; use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray if infestation persists
How do I get rid of vine weevil (grubs) on orpine?
Sudden wilting; crown detaches from eaten roots; grubs visible in soil Apply pathogenic nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer; improve drainage to deter adults from laying eggs
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on orpine?
New spring shoots nibbled to stubs; slime trails visible Use ferric phosphate pellets; create rough-surface barriers; hand-collect after dark or in wet weather
How do I get rid of caterpillars on orpine?
Ragged holes in leaves; leaf edges chewed; frass (droppings) visible Inspect and remove by hand; apply Bacillus thuringiensis spray for larger populations