What's eating my rose queen epimedium?

Rose Queen Epimedium is mostly trouble-free from pests. Slugs are the main threat during spring leaf emergence, and vine weevil larvae can undermine root systems in pots. Aphids appear briefly on new growth in spring but rarely weaken the plant. Once leaves mature and toughen, this cultivar becomes almost completely pest-resistant.

Ragged chewing damage and holes in soft early-spring foliage; slime trails present at soil level. Spread iron phosphate pellets around the crown as growth emerges. Evening handpicking is effective. Avoid heavy mulching which provides slug refuges.

Root feeding causes gradual collapse and wilting in container plants; adult weevils leave notched leaf margins. Drench with Steinernema kraussei nematodes in late summer. Inspect container root balls annually and destroy any C-shaped white grubs found.

Small soft colonies on new shoot tips in spring; minor leaf curl and honeydew deposit. Blast off with water jet; insecticidal soap for stubborn colonies. Natural predators usually prevent escalation on outdoor plants.