What's eating my sedum 'matrona'?

Sedum 'Matrona' is a vigorous, drought-tolerant border plant with few serious pest problems. Aphids occasionally gather on new growth; vine weevil grubs pose the main structural threat, particularly in containers. Its sturdy stems and thick leaves make it far less palatable than most border perennials.

Soft colonies on young stem tips and flower buds in spring; produce sticky honeydew which can encourage sooty mould on stems and leaves. Blast with water. Natural predators normally keep populations in check. Apply insecticidal soap spray to stems and undersides of leaves if heavy infestations develop.

White root-feeding grubs destroy the crown and root system, causing sudden wilting especially in pot-grown plants; adults create small leaf-margin notches nocturnally. Water nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) into soil or compost in late summer while soil stays above 5°C. Repot container plants annually to check for grubs.

Surface feeding on emerging spring growth, leaving ragged holes and slime trails; typically minor once stems harden. Use ferric phosphate pellets in spring. Encourage ground beetles and hedgehogs — effective natural slug predators. Grit mulch around crowns can deter movement.