What's eating my pineapple sage?

Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) is a garden herb/tender perennial whose main threats are aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies — especially in hot, dry spells or greenhouse conditions. Its aromatic foliage deters many insects, but soft new shoot tips remain vulnerable. Slugs and lace bugs can also cause occasional leaf damage outdoors.

Clusters of soft-bodied insects on tender shoot tips; sticky honeydew residue; curled or stunted new growth. Knock off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent infestations.

Fine webbing on leaf undersides; yellow stippling and premature leaf drop; worst in hot, dry conditions. Mist foliage to raise humidity; wash leaves with water; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap if severe.

Tiny white insects cloud up when foliage is disturbed; yellowing leaves; sticky honeydew leads to sooty mould. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and reduce numbers; insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavier infestations.

Irregular ragged holes chewed in leaves, most visible after rain or overhead watering. Hand-pick at dusk; use iron phosphate slug pellets around the base; improve drainage to reduce damp habitats.