Pest identification
What's eating my pelargonium graveolens 'attar of roses'?
Aphids
Signs: Green or blackfly colonies on soft shoot tips and stems; honeydew and sooty mould; distorted tender growth.
Control: Spray off with water or apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil as a deterrent and contact spray; repeat weekly.
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling and bronzing of leaves with fine webbing on undersides; worse in hot, dry indoor or greenhouse conditions.
Control: Improve humidity; spray undersides with water or insecticidal soap; use predatory mites (Phytoseiulus) in enclosed spaces.
Vine weevil
Signs: Larval root feeding causes wilting in pots; adults notch the aromatic leaves at night though less attracted than to non-scented plants.
Control: Apply Steinernema kraussei nematode drench in late summer; use vine weevil-treated compost in containers.
Caterpillars
Signs: Occasional feeding damage on leaves; most caterpillars avoid strongly scented foliage but angle shades and tortrix may still feed.
Control: Handpick larvae; apply Bt spray; less of a problem on scented-leaf types than on zonal or regal pelargoniums.
Keep pelargonium graveolens 'attar of roses' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats rose geranium — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common pelargonium graveolens 'attar of roses' problems & fixes
- Pelargonium graveolens 'Attar of Roses' watering schedule
- Pelargonium graveolens 'Attar of Roses' light requirements
- Full pelargonium graveolens 'attar of roses' care guide
Pelargonium graveolens 'Attar of Roses' pests — FAQ
What is eating my pelargonium graveolens 'attar of roses'?
Pelargonium graveolens 'Attar of Roses' is a strongly rose-scented herb type. Aphids are the most frequent pest despite the intense fragrance. Spider mites can be problematic in dry conditions. Its powerful essential oils make it highly resistant to deer and rabbit browsing. Vine weevil remains a risk in containers.
How do I get rid of aphids on pelargonium graveolens 'attar of roses'?
Green or blackfly colonies on soft shoot tips and stems; honeydew and sooty mould; distorted tender growth. Spray off with water or apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil as a deterrent and contact spray; repeat weekly.
How do I get rid of spider mites on pelargonium graveolens 'attar of roses'?
Pale stippling and bronzing of leaves with fine webbing on undersides; worse in hot, dry indoor or greenhouse conditions. Improve humidity; spray undersides with water or insecticidal soap; use predatory mites (Phytoseiulus) in enclosed spaces.
How do I get rid of vine weevil on pelargonium graveolens 'attar of roses'?
Larval root feeding causes wilting in pots; adults notch the aromatic leaves at night though less attracted than to non-scented plants. Apply Steinernema kraussei nematode drench in late summer; use vine weevil-treated compost in containers.
How do I get rid of caterpillars on pelargonium graveolens 'attar of roses'?
Occasional feeding damage on leaves; most caterpillars avoid strongly scented foliage but angle shades and tortrix may still feed. Handpick larvae; apply Bt spray; less of a problem on scented-leaf types than on zonal or regal pelargoniums.