What's eating my sedum 'autumn joy'?

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' (Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude') is remarkably pest-resistant — its thick succulent leaves deter most grazers. Aphids are the most likely visitor, clustering on soft new growth, while mealybugs can nest in stem crevices in warm spots. Deer and rabbits rarely browse it.

Clusters of small soft-bodied insects on tender new stems and flower buds in spring and early summer, causing sticky honeydew residue and mild shoot distortion. Knock off with a firm jet of water. Beneficial insects (ladybirds, hoverflies) usually provide effective natural control. Use insecticidal soap only if colonies are heavy and persistent.

White waxy cottony clusters in stem joints and leaf axils, weakening the plant and producing honeydew; more common in sheltered or warm garden positions. Dab individual colonies with a cotton swab dipped in 70% rubbing alcohol. For larger plants, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to affected areas and repeat every 7–10 days.

Root-feeding grubs hollow out the fleshy crown and roots causing sudden collapse; adult beetles notch leaf margins at night but damage is usually cosmetic. Water pathogenic nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) into moist soil in late summer. Check roots at division time and remove any white C-shaped grubs by hand.