Pest identification
What's eating my pelargonium x asperum?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on young tips and flower stems; foliage distorts, becomes sticky with honeydew, and may develop sooty mould.
Control: Dislodge with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. On a culinary herb, insecticidal soap is preferred over systemic pesticides.
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Pale stippling and bronzing on leaves, with fine webbing in severe cases; worst in hot, dry summers or under glass.
Control: Mist foliage to raise humidity; apply neem oil spray. Ensure good air circulation. Check undersides of leaves regularly.
Caterpillars
Signs: Irregular holes chewed in leaves; larger areas of foliage can be consumed overnight by moth caterpillars.
Control: Pick off caterpillars by hand at dusk. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray as a low-impact biological control safe for herbs.
Keep pelargonium x asperum pest-free
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Pelargonium x asperum pests — FAQ
What is eating my pelargonium x asperum?
Pelargonium x asperum (rose-scented geranium) is a culinary/fragrance herb grown outdoors and in pots. Aphids are the most common problem on tender shoot tips. Spider mites can be troublesome in warm, dry conditions. Caterpillars occasionally graze the foliage. Its strong scent largely deters deer, rabbits, and slugs.
How do I get rid of aphids on pelargonium x asperum?
Clusters on young tips and flower stems; foliage distorts, becomes sticky with honeydew, and may develop sooty mould. Dislodge with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. On a culinary herb, insecticidal soap is preferred over systemic pesticides.
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on pelargonium x asperum?
Pale stippling and bronzing on leaves, with fine webbing in severe cases; worst in hot, dry summers or under glass. Mist foliage to raise humidity; apply neem oil spray. Ensure good air circulation. Check undersides of leaves regularly.
How do I get rid of caterpillars on pelargonium x asperum?
Irregular holes chewed in leaves; larger areas of foliage can be consumed overnight by moth caterpillars. Pick off caterpillars by hand at dusk. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray as a low-impact biological control safe for herbs.