What's eating my rubrum epimedium?

Rubrum Epimedium is highly resistant to most garden pests. Slugs are the primary threat during spring when soft new leaves emerge, especially in damp, shaded sites. Vine weevil grubs can damage roots in containers. Once the foliage toughens up mid-season, pest pressure drops significantly and plants thrive with minimal intervention.

Ragged holes in young spring leaves; slime trails across the crown and surrounding soil. Use iron phosphate slug bait from early spring. Remove leaf litter where slugs overwinter. Diatomaceous earth works as a dry-weather barrier.

Grubs feed on roots causing wilting and dieback; most damaging in pots and nursery containers. Apply nematode drench (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer to early autumn. Lift and inspect container plants if unexplained wilting occurs.

Clusters on soft new growth; mild leaf curl and sticky honeydew; rarely a serious problem. Dislodge with a firm water spray. Insecticidal soap spray for persistent colonies. Natural predators like ladybirds usually keep numbers in check.