What's eating my paeonia lactiflora 'karl rosenfield'?

Paeonia 'Karl Rosenfield' — a classic deep-red double — is most at risk from botrytis blight, which rots stems and prevents the heavy blooms from opening. Aphids attack soft new growth, and slugs can shred emerging red shoots in early spring. Deer are occasional browsers of young foliage.

Stems wilt and rot at soil level; dense grey mold on buds and petals in damp conditions; buds fail to open. Cut out affected stems below soil level; improve air circulation; apply copper oxychloride fungicide at bud break.

Clusters of greenfly on new shoots cause curling, yellowing, and sticky honeydew residue. Spray with insecticidal soap or a diluted neem oil solution; repeat weekly if infestation persists.

Ragged holes in emerging shoots and young leaves in early spring, especially after rain. Apply iron phosphate pellets around crowns; use copper tape collars; hand-pick at night.