What's eating my roman chamomile?

Roman Chamomile is generally hardy but aphids and thrips can damage flowers and tender growth. Slugs and snails target young plants and mat-forming stems in wet conditions. Mealybugs occasionally attack in sheltered spots. The low-growing, spreading habit means slug damage is often more severe than on upright herbs.

Sticky, distorted flower buds and shoot tips; colonies visible on stems and new leaves Spray with insecticidal soap or a dilute neem oil solution; encourage ladybirds; pinch out heavily infested tips

Gaps and holes eaten into low-lying stems and young leaves, particularly after rain Apply iron phosphate pellets; use grit mulch around plants; hand-pick after dark

Silver-streaked or flecked petals and leaves; flowers may fail to open fully; small dark frass visible Use blue sticky traps; apply spinosad spray in severe cases; remove and destroy affected flower heads promptly