Pest identification
What's eating my sanguisorba menziesii?
Vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus)
Signs: Cream grubs devour roots causing sudden wilt or plant death, worst in potted specimens; adults notch leaf margins at night.
Control: Drench container compost with Steinernema kraussei nematodes in August–September. Check root balls of any suddenly wilting pot plants. Use vine-weevil-resistant containers with tight drainage holes.
Deer and rabbits
Signs: Foliage browsed; less persistent than on some burnets but young or newly planted specimens are vulnerable.
Control: Protect newly planted specimens with wire guards for the first season. Apply commercial deer repellent spray monthly. Established clumps recover well from light browsing.
Aphids
Signs: Light colonies on young shoot tips causing minor distortion; self-limiting on vigorous plants.
Control: Water jet or insecticidal soap. Natural aphid predators (ladybirds, parasitic wasps) usually provide sufficient control in a biodiverse garden.
Keep sanguisorba menziesii pest-free
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Sanguisorba menziesii pests — FAQ
What is eating my sanguisorba menziesii?
Sanguisorba menziesii (Menzies' burnet), native to the Pacific Northwest, is marketed as deer- and rabbit-resistant by many nurseries, though no Sanguisorba is completely immune from browsing. Vine weevil is the main insect risk, especially in containers. Aphids and slugs cause minor, transient damage. This is a very low-maintenance plant overall.
How do I get rid of vine weevil (otiorhynchus sulcatus) on sanguisorba menziesii?
Cream grubs devour roots causing sudden wilt or plant death, worst in potted specimens; adults notch leaf margins at night. Drench container compost with Steinernema kraussei nematodes in August–September. Check root balls of any suddenly wilting pot plants. Use vine-weevil-resistant containers with tight drainage holes.
How do I get rid of deer and rabbits on sanguisorba menziesii?
Foliage browsed; less persistent than on some burnets but young or newly planted specimens are vulnerable. Protect newly planted specimens with wire guards for the first season. Apply commercial deer repellent spray monthly. Established clumps recover well from light browsing.
How do I get rid of aphids on sanguisorba menziesii?
Light colonies on young shoot tips causing minor distortion; self-limiting on vigorous plants. Water jet or insecticidal soap. Natural aphid predators (ladybirds, parasitic wasps) usually provide sufficient control in a biodiverse garden.