What's eating my pelargonium peltatum 'roi des balcons lilas'?

Pelargonium peltatum 'Roi des Balcons Lilas', a vigorous ivy-leaved balcony geranium, is especially susceptible to vine weevil in containers and aphids on tender shoots. Geranium sawfly larvae can skeletonise leaves in summer. Whitefly also commonly colonises ivy-leaved types in warm, sheltered positions.

Sudden wilting of cascading stems; root system destroyed by cream-coloured grubs in compost. Apply nematode drench (Steinernema kraussei) to moist compost in late summer; repot annually and inspect roots.

Curled, sticky shoot tips; honeydew encourages black sooty mould on leaves and flowers. Remove by hand or water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly until cleared.

Skeletonised leaves with lacy brown patches, particularly on the underside. Pick off larvae; spray with pyrethrum or spinosad-based insecticide; dispose of fallen leaves which may harbour pupae.

Clouds of tiny white insects fly up when plant is disturbed; leaves pale and coated in sticky honeydew. Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or fatty acid-based spray; treat undersides of leaves thoroughly.