What's eating my othello ligularia?

Othello Ligularia's large, dark, round leaves are irresistible to slugs and snails, which are by far its worst pest — damage can be severe on young spring growth. Aphids occasionally attack new stems. Deer and rabbits tend to leave Ligularia dentata alone, so slug management is the main seasonal task.

Irregular, ragged holes punched through the broad leaves; severe damage on emerging spring growth; slime trails on foliage and soil Scatter iron phosphate bait in early spring before leaves fully unfurl; create sharp-grit or copper barriers around crowns; hand-pick after dark or on damp mornings

Dense colonies on developing flower spikes and soft leaf undersides; honeydew leads to sooty mold; buds may fail to open properly Remove by hand or strong water jet; treat with insecticidal soap spray; introduce or encourage aphid predators such as parasitic wasps and ladybugs

Notched leaf margins from adult feeding; larval root damage causes crown rot and sudden plant wilt Drench soil with pathogenic nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer to target larvae; remove adults by hand at night