Pest identification
What's eating my salvia farinacea 'evolution violet'?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on young shoots and violet flower spikes; sticky honeydew and distorted growth are the key signs.
Control: Knock off with water; insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat applications until colonies are gone.
Whitefly
Signs: Small white flies on undersides of leaves; yellow stippling and sticky deposits reduce plant vigour.
Control: Yellow sticky traps for monitoring; insecticidal soap or pyrethrin sprays directed at leaf undersides.
Spider mites
Signs: Bronze-speckled leaves with fine webbing; most severe in hot, dusty, dry conditions.
Control: Mist foliage to raise humidity; apply neem oil or miticide; water plants consistently to reduce stress.
Keep salvia farinacea 'evolution violet' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats mealy-cup sage — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common salvia farinacea 'evolution violet' problems & fixes
- Salvia farinacea 'Evolution Violet' watering schedule
- Salvia farinacea 'Evolution Violet' light requirements
- Full salvia farinacea 'evolution violet' care guide
Salvia farinacea 'Evolution Violet' pests — FAQ
What is eating my salvia farinacea 'evolution violet'?
Salvia farinacea 'Evolution Violet' has aromatic foliage that resists deer and most chewing insects. Aphids and whitefly are the most consistent pests, targeting tender new growth and flower spikes. Spider mites can strike in hot, dry conditions. Overall this is a tough, low-pest annual when grown in well-drained soil with good airflow.
How do I get rid of aphids on salvia farinacea 'evolution violet'?
Clusters on young shoots and violet flower spikes; sticky honeydew and distorted growth are the key signs. Knock off with water; insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat applications until colonies are gone.
How do I get rid of whitefly on salvia farinacea 'evolution violet'?
Small white flies on undersides of leaves; yellow stippling and sticky deposits reduce plant vigour. Yellow sticky traps for monitoring; insecticidal soap or pyrethrin sprays directed at leaf undersides.
How do I get rid of spider mites on salvia farinacea 'evolution violet'?
Bronze-speckled leaves with fine webbing; most severe in hot, dusty, dry conditions. Mist foliage to raise humidity; apply neem oil or miticide; water plants consistently to reduce stress.