Pest identification
What's eating my phlox subulata 'emerald blue'?
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Silvery stippling and fine webbing across the mat of foliage; foliage looks dull bronze in dry, hot spells.
Control: Irrigate regularly to raise humidity. Spray underside of foliage with insecticidal soap or neem oil on cool mornings; repeat twice weekly.
Phlox plant bug (Lopidea davisi)
Signs: White or pale green spots spreading into brown patches on leaves; leaf curl and premature dieback.
Control: Remove and destroy infested sections of the mat. Apply pyrethrin or insecticidal soap. Avoid overcrowded plantings.
Rabbits
Signs: Clean-cut browsing of flowers and tender shoot tips, particularly in spring when plants are in bloom.
Control: Protect newly planted mats with wire mesh or plant rabbit-repellent companion plants nearby. Commercial rabbit repellent sprays provide temporary deterrence.
Keep phlox subulata 'emerald blue' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats moss phlox — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common phlox subulata 'emerald blue' problems & fixes
- Phlox subulata 'Emerald Blue' watering schedule
- Phlox subulata 'Emerald Blue' light requirements
- Full phlox subulata 'emerald blue' care guide
Phlox subulata 'Emerald Blue' pests — FAQ
What is eating my phlox subulata 'emerald blue'?
Phlox subulata 'Emerald Blue' (creeping or moss phlox) is a low-maintenance mat-former that is largely trouble-free. Spider mites are the most likely pest in hot, dry summers, and rabbits may nibble the dense foliage and flowers. Phlox plant bugs and stalk borers are occasional problems on this species.
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on phlox subulata 'emerald blue'?
Silvery stippling and fine webbing across the mat of foliage; foliage looks dull bronze in dry, hot spells. Irrigate regularly to raise humidity. Spray underside of foliage with insecticidal soap or neem oil on cool mornings; repeat twice weekly.
How do I get rid of phlox plant bug (lopidea davisi) on phlox subulata 'emerald blue'?
White or pale green spots spreading into brown patches on leaves; leaf curl and premature dieback. Remove and destroy infested sections of the mat. Apply pyrethrin or insecticidal soap. Avoid overcrowded plantings.
How do I get rid of rabbits on phlox subulata 'emerald blue'?
Clean-cut browsing of flowers and tender shoot tips, particularly in spring when plants are in bloom. Protect newly planted mats with wire mesh or plant rabbit-repellent companion plants nearby. Commercial rabbit repellent sprays provide temporary deterrence.