Pest identification
What's eating my spanish snapdragon?
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on growing tips and flower buds; sticky honeydew, curled leaves, and poor bud set.
Control: Blast with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce predatory insects.
Caterpillars (various species)
Signs: Ragged holes eaten in leaves and flowers; larger larvae can consume whole stems.
Control: Hand-pick caterpillars and eggs; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for heavy infestations.
Slugs and snails
Signs: Young plant stems and leaves eaten, especially after transplanting or in wet weather.
Control: Use iron phosphate slug pellets; water in the morning; place grit mulch around the base.
Keep spanish snapdragon pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Spanish snapdragon pests — FAQ
What is eating my spanish snapdragon?
Spanish snapdragon (Antirrhinum hispanicum) is most threatened by aphids clustering on tender shoot tips and snapdragon rust. Caterpillars of the mullein moth and other species may eat foliage. Rabbits occasionally browse young plants in open rocky gardens. Good airflow and prompt pest removal keep plants healthy.
How do I get rid of aphids on spanish snapdragon?
Colonies on growing tips and flower buds; sticky honeydew, curled leaves, and poor bud set. Blast with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce predatory insects.
How do I get rid of caterpillars (various species) on spanish snapdragon?
Ragged holes eaten in leaves and flowers; larger larvae can consume whole stems. Hand-pick caterpillars and eggs; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for heavy infestations.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on spanish snapdragon?
Young plant stems and leaves eaten, especially after transplanting or in wet weather. Use iron phosphate slug pellets; water in the morning; place grit mulch around the base.