Pest identification
What's eating my peony 'sarah bernhardt'?
Aphids
Signs: Soft colonies on stems, emerging leaves, and flower buds; sticky honeydew draws ants
Control: Insecticidal soap or neem oil; dislodge with water; do not use systemic pesticides near pollinators at bloom
Thrips
Signs: Silver-scarred, streaked petals; distorted buds — especially in hot, dry summers
Control: Remove affected blooms; keep soil consistently moist; insecticidal soap on shoots
Vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus)
Signs: Grubs eat roots and the crown, causing sudden wilting; mainly a risk in pots
Control: Apply pathogenic nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist compost in spring and autumn
Deer
Signs: Ragged removal of emerging shoots and buds in spring; browsing can set plants back a full season
Control: Deer-repellent sprays on new growth; physical fencing as a long-term solution
Keep peony 'sarah bernhardt' pest-free
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Peony 'Sarah Bernhardt' pests — FAQ
What is eating my peony 'sarah bernhardt'?
Peony 'Sarah Bernhardt' attracts ants (following aphid honeydew on buds, harmless themselves), aphids on new growth, and thrips that scar petals. Vine weevil grubs can attack roots in containers. Deer and rabbits browse new shoots in spring. Aphids and ants together on buds are the most commonly noticed pest situation.
How do I get rid of aphids on peony 'sarah bernhardt'?
Soft colonies on stems, emerging leaves, and flower buds; sticky honeydew draws ants Insecticidal soap or neem oil; dislodge with water; do not use systemic pesticides near pollinators at bloom
How do I get rid of thrips on peony 'sarah bernhardt'?
Silver-scarred, streaked petals; distorted buds — especially in hot, dry summers Remove affected blooms; keep soil consistently moist; insecticidal soap on shoots
How do I get rid of vine weevil (otiorhynchus sulcatus) on peony 'sarah bernhardt'?
Grubs eat roots and the crown, causing sudden wilting; mainly a risk in pots Apply pathogenic nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist compost in spring and autumn
How do I get rid of deer on peony 'sarah bernhardt'?
Ragged removal of emerging shoots and buds in spring; browsing can set plants back a full season Deer-repellent sprays on new growth; physical fencing as a long-term solution