Pest identification
What's eating my peruvian zinnia?
Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) — US
Signs: Lacy skeletonised leaves with the veins left intact; flower petals chewed
Control: Hand-pick in the morning when beetles are sluggish; neem oil spray as a deterrent; avoid beetle-attracting pheromone traps close to plants
Aphids
Signs: Curled new shoots; sticky honeydew; visible colonies of soft insects
Control: Insecticidal soap; water jet; encourage ladybirds and lacewings
Caterpillars (loopers, Trichoplusia ni)
Signs: Large ragged holes chewed in leaves; frass on foliage and soil below
Control: Bt spray (kurstaki) at first sign; hand-pick; encourage predatory wasps with companion flowers
Keep peruvian zinnia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Peruvian zinnia pests — FAQ
What is eating my peruvian zinnia?
Peruvian zinnia (Zinnia peruviana) shares the pest vulnerabilities of the genus: Japanese beetles skeletonise foliage in the US, aphids cluster on new growth, and spider mites cause bronzing in dry heat. Caterpillars (corn earworm and loopers) may chew leaves and petals. Deer will browse flowers if hungry and unprotected.
How do I get rid of japanese beetle (popillia japonica) — us on peruvian zinnia?
Lacy skeletonised leaves with the veins left intact; flower petals chewed Hand-pick in the morning when beetles are sluggish; neem oil spray as a deterrent; avoid beetle-attracting pheromone traps close to plants
How do I get rid of aphids on peruvian zinnia?
Curled new shoots; sticky honeydew; visible colonies of soft insects Insecticidal soap; water jet; encourage ladybirds and lacewings
How do I get rid of caterpillars (loopers, trichoplusia ni) on peruvian zinnia?
Large ragged holes chewed in leaves; frass on foliage and soil below Bt spray (kurstaki) at first sign; hand-pick; encourage predatory wasps with companion flowers