What's eating my pelargonium citronellum?

Pelargonium citronellum, the lemon-scented geranium herb type, is most often affected by aphids despite its potent citrus-lemon fragrance. Spider mites are a notable risk in hot, dry conditions. Deer and rabbits strongly avoid this plant due to its intense volatile oils. Vine weevil and whitefly are occasional secondary pests.

Colonies on soft shoot tips and stems; honeydew residue and sooty mould on the deeply lobed aromatic foliage. Dislodge with a strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; the plant's scent does not fully protect it.

Pale stippling, leaf bronzing, and fine webbing on undersides; more prevalent in hot, dry summers or when overwintering indoors. Raise humidity; spray leaf undersides with water daily; apply insecticidal soap or predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis).

White root-feeding grubs cause container plants to wilt and collapse; adults make notched cuts in leaf margins at night. Apply nematode drench to container compost in late summer; inspect roots at spring repotting and remove any grubs.

Small white flies on leaf undersides; honeydew and sooty mould coat the distinctive lobed leaves. Yellow sticky traps near the plant; spray with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin covering leaf undersides; repeat weekly.