What's eating my rock daffodil?

Rock Daffodil is a compact Spanish species with the alkaloid toxicity common to all narcissus, making it unattractive to deer and rabbits. Narcissus bulb fly is the main pest. Its preference for dry, rocky, well-drained conditions means it is less prone to slug damage and eelworm than species growing in damper soils.

Larvae burrow into small bulbs and eat the interior; plants fail to flower or produce only weak foliage Use fine-mesh insect netting during spring flight season; inspect bulbs at lifting; discard any soft or damaged ones promptly

Shoot tips nibbled at emergence, particularly if planted in moister conditions than the species prefers Ensure sharp drainage with added grit; mulch with gravel; use iron phosphate pellets only if slug pressure is observed

Occasional colonization of flower stems; minor distortion and potential mosaic virus transmission Remove by hand or water jet; insecticidal soap if persistent; remove affected flower stems to limit virus spread