Pest identification
What's eating my rodgersia pinnata?
Slugs and snails
Signs: Ragged holes or scalloped edges on soft young leaves in spring; established, leathery foliage is much less vulnerable
Control: Apply iron phosphate bait around crowns as soon as growth appears in spring; use gravel mulch as a deterrent; hand-pick at dusk when damage is first noticed
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on young stems and flower panicles in early summer; honeydew residue and minor leaf distortion
Control: Dislodge with a jet of water or apply insecticidal soap; introduce or tolerate natural aphid predators in the garden
Keep rodgersia pinnata pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Rodgersia Pinnata pests — FAQ
What is eating my rodgersia pinnata?
Rodgersia pinnata is refreshingly low-pest: deer and rabbits generally leave it alone. Slugs and snails can nibble young emerging leaves in spring before the foliage toughens. Aphids occasionally visit. Established plants are otherwise quite trouble-free, making early-spring slug protection the key maintenance step.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on rodgersia pinnata?
Ragged holes or scalloped edges on soft young leaves in spring; established, leathery foliage is much less vulnerable Apply iron phosphate bait around crowns as soon as growth appears in spring; use gravel mulch as a deterrent; hand-pick at dusk when damage is first noticed
How do I get rid of aphids on rodgersia pinnata?
Clusters on young stems and flower panicles in early summer; honeydew residue and minor leaf distortion Dislodge with a jet of water or apply insecticidal soap; introduce or tolerate natural aphid predators in the garden