Pest identification
What's eating my prostrate rosemary?
Rosemary beetle (Chrysolina americana)
Signs: Adults and larvae defoliate stems; metallic purple-green beetles and grey grubs visible on foliage from late summer to spring.
Control: Hand-pick or shake over newspaper; check undersides of leaves for larvae; insecticide as a last resort.
Spittlebugs / froghoppers
Signs: Frothy white 'cuckoo spit' masses on stems in spring, concealing a sap-sucking nymph; rarely causes serious harm.
Control: Wash off foam with a strong jet of water; nymphs die when exposed — no insecticide needed.
Aphids
Signs: Small colonies on tender shoot tips; sticky honeydew and possible sooty mould; distorted growth.
Control: Blast with water or apply insecticidal soap; encourage ladybirds and lacewings.
Keep prostrate rosemary pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Prostrate Rosemary pests — FAQ
What is eating my prostrate rosemary?
Prostrate rosemary's low, spreading habit makes it especially prone to rosemary beetle, whose adults and larvae strip foliage from late summer onward. Spittlebugs (froghoppers) leave conspicuous foam on stems in spring but rarely cause lasting harm. Aphids and scale insects also occasionally colonise the soft shoot tips.
How do I get rid of rosemary beetle (chrysolina americana) on prostrate rosemary?
Adults and larvae defoliate stems; metallic purple-green beetles and grey grubs visible on foliage from late summer to spring. Hand-pick or shake over newspaper; check undersides of leaves for larvae; insecticide as a last resort.
How do I get rid of spittlebugs / froghoppers on prostrate rosemary?
Frothy white 'cuckoo spit' masses on stems in spring, concealing a sap-sucking nymph; rarely causes serious harm. Wash off foam with a strong jet of water; nymphs die when exposed — no insecticide needed.
How do I get rid of aphids on prostrate rosemary?
Small colonies on tender shoot tips; sticky honeydew and possible sooty mould; distorted growth. Blast with water or apply insecticidal soap; encourage ladybirds and lacewings.