Pest identification
What's eating my pelargonium 'fair ellen'?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of green or blackfly on shoot tips; leaves curl and yellow; honeydew leads to sooty mould.
Control: Squash by hand or wash off with water; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly until clear.
Vine weevil
Signs: Sudden plant collapse; white grubs found chewing through roots in the compost.
Control: Drench compost with nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer or early autumn; replace infested compost and inspect roots.
Slugs and snails
Signs: Irregular holes in lower leaves; silvery slime trails on foliage and surrounding soil.
Control: Use wildlife-safe slug pellets (ferric phosphate); apply copper tape to pots; hand-pick at night.
Keep pelargonium 'fair ellen' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pelargonium 'Fair Ellen' pests — FAQ
What is eating my pelargonium 'fair ellen'?
Pelargonium 'Fair Ellen', a pungent oak-leaf scented geranium, faces aphids on tender new growth and vine weevil grubs attacking roots. When grown outdoors in summer, slugs and snails may rasp young leaves. The strong scent gives some natural protection against soft-bodied insects.
How do I get rid of aphids on pelargonium 'fair ellen'?
Clusters of green or blackfly on shoot tips; leaves curl and yellow; honeydew leads to sooty mould. Squash by hand or wash off with water; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly until clear.
How do I get rid of vine weevil on pelargonium 'fair ellen'?
Sudden plant collapse; white grubs found chewing through roots in the compost. Drench compost with nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer or early autumn; replace infested compost and inspect roots.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on pelargonium 'fair ellen'?
Irregular holes in lower leaves; silvery slime trails on foliage and surrounding soil. Use wildlife-safe slug pellets (ferric phosphate); apply copper tape to pots; hand-pick at night.