What's eating my siberian larkspur?

Siberian larkspur (Delphinium grandiflorum) is vulnerable to slugs on emerging growth, aphids on flower spikes, and the occasional leaf miner. Its shorter, more compact habit means less total slug-vulnerable stem than taller types. Deer and rabbits typically avoid delphiniums due to their alkaloid toxicity.

Sever or hollow young shoots at ground level; ragged holes in leaves, especially in cool wet weather Use iron phosphate bait around the base; set beer traps; hand-pick at night from moist soil

Sticky, distorted shoot tips and flower buds; clusters visible on stem undersides Blast off with water; treat with insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like lacewings

Winding pale tunnels through leaf tissue, reducing photosynthetic area Pick off and destroy mined leaves; use yellow sticky traps to monitor adult flies; keep plants well-watered to reduce stress