Pest identification
What's eating my pink coreopsis?
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on thread-like stems and flower buds; heavy infestations cause tip die-back and bud drop.
Control: Spray with water jet or insecticidal soap; support aphid predators by avoiding broad-spectrum pesticides.
Leafhoppers (aster yellows vector)
Signs: Flowers turn green and deformed; plants become stunted; disease spreads via leafhopper feeding.
Control: Remove and destroy infected plants immediately; apply reflective mulch; keep weeds down near planting.
Slugs & snails
Signs: Young stems and basal foliage chewed at soil level; worse in damp boggy conditions typical of this species.
Control: Use iron phosphate pellets; hand-pick at night; improve drainage where possible to reduce slug habitat.
Keep pink coreopsis pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pink Coreopsis pests — FAQ
What is eating my pink coreopsis?
Pink Coreopsis, a delicate wetland-edge native, is susceptible to aphids on its fine stems and buds. Its preference for moist soils can lead to fungus gnat issues around the root zone. Leafhoppers can transmit aster yellows. Slugs may damage young plants in boggy conditions. Overall, moisture management prevents many of its problems.
How do I get rid of aphids on pink coreopsis?
Colonies on thread-like stems and flower buds; heavy infestations cause tip die-back and bud drop. Spray with water jet or insecticidal soap; support aphid predators by avoiding broad-spectrum pesticides.
How do I get rid of leafhoppers (aster yellows vector) on pink coreopsis?
Flowers turn green and deformed; plants become stunted; disease spreads via leafhopper feeding. Remove and destroy infected plants immediately; apply reflective mulch; keep weeds down near planting.
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on pink coreopsis?
Young stems and basal foliage chewed at soil level; worse in damp boggy conditions typical of this species. Use iron phosphate pellets; hand-pick at night; improve drainage where possible to reduce slug habitat.