Pest identification
What's eating my quaking grass?
Aphids
Signs: Sticky deposits on stems; distorted or yellowing florets and foliage; soft insects clustered on new growth
Control: Spray with a strong water jet or insecticidal soap; encourage ladybirds and lacewings as natural predators
Slugs & Snails
Signs: Chewed, ragged young leaf tips and seedlings, typically overnight after wet weather
Control: Use iron phosphate pellets or grit mulch around seedlings; hand-pick slugs in the evening
Rabbits
Signs: Cropped stems near ground level on young plants in spring
Control: Use wire mesh guards around young plants; rabbit repellent sprays offer short-term protection
Keep quaking grass pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Quaking Grass pests — FAQ
What is eating my quaking grass?
Quaking Grass is a hardy native ornamental grass with few serious pests. Aphids occasionally colonise young stems and seed heads. Slugs and snails can nibble seedlings. Rabbits may graze young plants in spring. Once established, the plant tolerates most pest pressure with minimal intervention needed.
How do I get rid of aphids on quaking grass?
Sticky deposits on stems; distorted or yellowing florets and foliage; soft insects clustered on new growth Spray with a strong water jet or insecticidal soap; encourage ladybirds and lacewings as natural predators
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on quaking grass?
Chewed, ragged young leaf tips and seedlings, typically overnight after wet weather Use iron phosphate pellets or grit mulch around seedlings; hand-pick slugs in the evening
How do I get rid of rabbits on quaking grass?
Cropped stems near ground level on young plants in spring Use wire mesh guards around young plants; rabbit repellent sprays offer short-term protection