What's eating my persicaria amplexicaulis 'blackfield'?

Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Blackfield', with its deep crimson spikes, is as tough as other mountain fleece cultivars. Slugs pose the main risk to young foliage. Aphids and Japanese beetles (in the US) are secondary concerns. Deer and rabbits largely leave it alone. It is one of the lowest-maintenance perennials for mixed borders.

Chewed holes in emerging leaves in spring; slimy trails confirm the culprit. Scatter ferric phosphate pellets around crowns as new growth appears. Beer traps and copper tape help on pots. Remove garden debris where slugs shelter.

Small colonies on new stem tips; generally self-limiting on vigorous mature clumps. Blast off with water. Use insecticidal soap only if infestation is heavy. Attract aphid predators with nearby nectar plants.

Adults skeletonise leaves in summer; relevant in North America only. Hand-pick adults into soapy water in the morning. Apply neem oil as a deterrent. Soil-applied nematodes reduce grub populations overwintering beneath the plant.