What's eating my pelargonium 'vancouver centennial'?

Pelargonium 'Vancouver Centennial', a stellar type with distinctive bronze-zoned foliage, is most commonly attacked by aphids. Spider mites can also be a problem in hot, dry conditions. Caterpillars and vine weevil round out the main threats. Its strong pelargonium scent discourages deer and most larger animals.

Clusters on growing tips and buds; honeydew leads to sooty mould; leaves curl and growth is distorted. Dislodge with water spray; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like hoverflies.

Fine stippling on leaves, pale or bronze discolouration, fine webbing on undersides in hot dry weather. Raise humidity; spray undersides with water; apply acaricidal soap or predatory mite sachets (Phytoseiulus persimilis).

Chewed holes in leaves and flowers; larvae sometimes hidden in rolled or webbed foliage. Handpick caterpillars; use Bt spray; remove hiding sites by clearing dead leaves around the plant.

Root damage by white grubs causes sudden wilting in pots; adult beetles leave notched leaf margins. Nematode drench in late summer–autumn; use vine weevil-treated compost or barrier products for containers.