What's eating my phlox maculata 'alpha'?

Phlox maculata 'Alpha' (meadow phlox) shares the genus's pest profile. Spider mites are the most damaging pest, especially in dry summers. Leafhoppers stipple and yellow foliage while spreading disease, and phlox plant bugs cause brown, curled leaf patches. Good air circulation is the best general preventive.

Pale speckled stippling across leaves with webbing; foliage turns yellow-bronze and drops in severe infestations. Spray thoroughly with water to dislodge mites. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to undersides of leaves; repeat every 5–7 days during dry spells.

Pale stippling and yellowing of leaf surfaces; leaves may drop early. Leafhoppers vector phytoplasma diseases that cause stunted, distorted growth. Remove weeds around plants. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Reflective silver mulch can reduce leafhopper landings.

White to brown spots on leaves that enlarge and merge; leaf curl and stem dieback as feeding progresses. Thin stems to improve air flow. Apply pyrethrin-based spray or insecticidal soap at first sign of spotting. Dispose of infested material in bins, not compost.