Pest identification
What's eating my shrubby st john's wort?
Aphids
Signs: Soft colonies on new spring growth and flower buds cause slight leaf curl and sticky honeydew deposits.
Control: Spray insecticidal soap or neem oil; strong water jet to dislodge; natural predators usually provide adequate control.
Vine Weevil
Signs: Adults leave characteristic U-shaped notches along leaf margins; larvae eat roots, causing wilting and plant death particularly in pots.
Control: Apply Steinernema nematodes to moist soil in late summer; check roots of pot-grown plants; use vine-weevil-proof compost mixes.
Scale Insects
Signs: Brown or white waxy lumps on stems and branches; sap loss weakens growth and honeydew encourages sooty mould.
Control: Scrape off manually; apply horticultural oil in late spring when crawlers are active; prune and bin badly affected stems.
Keep shrubby st john's wort pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Shrubby St John's Wort pests — FAQ
What is eating my shrubby st john's wort?
Shrubby St John's Wort (Hypericum calycinum) is a tough groundcover with good pest resistance. Aphids and vine weevils are the most common problems, with vine weevil larvae destroying roots in containers. Rabbits occasionally browse young growth. Scale insects may appear on stressed plants. Healthy, well-sited plants seldom suffer serious pest damage.
How do I get rid of aphids on shrubby st john's wort?
Soft colonies on new spring growth and flower buds cause slight leaf curl and sticky honeydew deposits. Spray insecticidal soap or neem oil; strong water jet to dislodge; natural predators usually provide adequate control.
How do I get rid of vine weevil on shrubby st john's wort?
Adults leave characteristic U-shaped notches along leaf margins; larvae eat roots, causing wilting and plant death particularly in pots. Apply Steinernema nematodes to moist soil in late summer; check roots of pot-grown plants; use vine-weevil-proof compost mixes.
How do I get rid of scale insects on shrubby st john's wort?
Brown or white waxy lumps on stems and branches; sap loss weakens growth and honeydew encourages sooty mould. Scrape off manually; apply horticultural oil in late spring when crawlers are active; prune and bin badly affected stems.