What's eating my sneezeweed?

Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) is relatively pest-resistant but aphids frequently colonise the soft stem tips in late spring. Caterpillars of several moth species feed on leaves. The plant is deer-resistant due to its bitter compounds. Powdery mildew can weaken plants and increase vulnerability to insect attack in humid conditions.

Green or black colonies on tender shoot tips; honeydew deposit; stunted or distorted leading growth in spring Spray off with water; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; beneficial insects including parasitic wasps keep populations in check

Ragged holes eaten from leaf margins; frass pellets on leaves; occasionally stems chewed at base Hand-pick caterpillars and eggs; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray targeting young larvae; inspect plants weekly in summer

Irregular holes in basal leaves and stems of young plants in spring, especially in damp garden conditions Iron phosphate slug bait around crowns; beer traps; hand-pick at night; gritty mulch makes the soil surface less slug-friendly