Pest identification
What's eating my spiked speedwell?
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on new shoots and flower spikes; leaves may curl and the plant weakens if infestations build up during the main flush.
Control: Spray off with water; introduce beneficial insects; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent colonies.
Slugs and snails
Signs: Holes in young leaves and chewed shoot tips at ground level, especially on newly planted or divided specimens in spring.
Control: Apply ferric phosphate pellets around crowns in early spring; use beer traps; handpick at night after rain.
Spider mites
Signs: Yellow stippling on upper leaf surfaces with fine webbing underneath; worse during prolonged dry, hot weather.
Control: Water plants regularly to reduce stress; remove affected foliage; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap in the morning.
Keep spiked speedwell pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Spiked speedwell pests — FAQ
What is eating my spiked speedwell?
Spiked speedwell is a generally robust perennial with few serious pest problems. Aphids are the most frequent nuisance, clustering on new spikes during the growing season. Slugs can damage young plants in spring, and spider mites may appear during drought. The upright spikes can also be nibbled by rabbits in exposed garden settings.
How do I get rid of aphids on spiked speedwell?
Colonies on new shoots and flower spikes; leaves may curl and the plant weakens if infestations build up during the main flush. Spray off with water; introduce beneficial insects; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent colonies.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on spiked speedwell?
Holes in young leaves and chewed shoot tips at ground level, especially on newly planted or divided specimens in spring. Apply ferric phosphate pellets around crowns in early spring; use beer traps; handpick at night after rain.
How do I get rid of spider mites on spiked speedwell?
Yellow stippling on upper leaf surfaces with fine webbing underneath; worse during prolonged dry, hot weather. Water plants regularly to reduce stress; remove affected foliage; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap in the morning.