What's eating my sanguisorba obtusa?

Sanguisorba obtusa (Japanese burnet) is a robust, largely trouble-free perennial. Deer and rabbits represent the primary pest risk; vine weevil grubs threaten container-grown plants. Slugs can damage soft spring growth. Aphids are occasional and rarely serious. In the open border, this is one of the most pest-resilient perennials you can choose.

Foliage and flower stems browsed; browsing before flowering prevents the ornamental arching flower spikes from developing. Physical guards or deer fencing. Deer repellent sprays on foliage and stems, reapplied after rain. Position in an enclosed garden space where feasible.

Grubs consume roots of containerised plants, causing collapse; in-ground plants rarely suffer significantly. Apply nematode drench (Steinernema kraussei) to pots in late summer. Examine root balls when repotting. Avoid compost that remains waterlogged.

Ragged holes in emerging spring foliage; damage typically mild on mature, established clumps. Ferric phosphate pellets at crown level in spring. Sharp grit mulch around the base reduces slug shelter. Hand-collect on damp evenings.