What's eating my pelargonium graveolens 'grey lady plymouth'?

Pelargonium graveolens 'Grey Lady Plymouth', a variegated scented-leaf herb type, is most often troubled by aphids. Spider mites can attack in dry heat. Its pungent rose-mint scent strongly discourages deer and rabbit grazing. Vine weevil is a risk in containers. Caterpillars are only an occasional problem on this aromatic cultivar.

Colonies on soft growing tips and shoot axils; honeydew and sooty mould mar the attractive variegated foliage. Wash off with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; inspect growing tips frequently throughout summer.

Fine pale mottling and webbing on leaf undersides; variegated leaves may show discolouration damage more visibly. Raise humidity around the plant; mist undersides of leaves; apply insecticidal soap or acaricide if severe.

Grubs consume roots in container compost; visible symptom is sudden wilt despite adequate watering. Drench containers with nematodes in late summer; repot annually, checking for and destroying any white c-shaped larvae.

Occasional holes in aromatic foliage; less common than on non-scented pelargoniums but not entirely avoided. Pick off by hand on sight; apply Bt spray if populations build; remove dead leaves at the plant base.