Pest identification
What's eating my red larkspur?
Slugs & snails
Signs: Chew through soft young shoots at soil level, often killing plants before they establish
Control: Protect with iron phosphate bait from the moment shoots emerge; use grit mulch around the crown; hand-pick at night
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on flower stems and buds causing distortion and sticky residue
Control: Spray with water or insecticidal soap; pinch off heavily infested shoot tips; attract aphid predators
Keep red larkspur pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Red larkspur pests — FAQ
What is eating my red larkspur?
Red larkspur (Delphinium nudicaule) is a compact California native and faces slugs on its early spring growth and aphid attacks on its scarlet flower spikes. Hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers but do no damage. Deer generally avoid it due to alkaloid toxicity. Its small stature makes early-season slug protection critical.
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on red larkspur?
Chew through soft young shoots at soil level, often killing plants before they establish Protect with iron phosphate bait from the moment shoots emerge; use grit mulch around the crown; hand-pick at night
How do I get rid of aphids on red larkspur?
Colonies on flower stems and buds causing distortion and sticky residue Spray with water or insecticidal soap; pinch off heavily infested shoot tips; attract aphid predators