Pest identification
What's eating my straw foxglove?
Foxglove aphid (Aulacorthum solani)
Signs: Pale green colonies under leaves and on flower spikes cause mottled yellowing and sticky deposits.
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap; encourage lacewings and ladybirds by planting nectar sources nearby.
Slugs and snails
Signs: Holes in basal rosette leaves and young emerging shoots, especially in damp, shaded conditions.
Control: Use iron phosphate slug pellets or copper barriers; avoid heavy bark mulch directly around crowns.
Vine weevil
Signs: Notched, U-shaped bites around leaf margins by adults; grubs eat roots causing sudden plant collapse.
Control: Apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist soil in late summer or autumn to target larvae.
Keep straw foxglove pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Straw Foxglove pests — FAQ
What is eating my straw foxglove?
Straw Foxglove (Digitalis lutea) is a compact, woodland-edge perennial with the same pest vulnerabilities as other foxgloves. Aphids, particularly the foxglove aphid, target flower spikes. Slugs attack the rosette in spring. Its toxic alkaloids deter deer and rabbits. Overall, it is one of the easier foxgloves to grow with minimal pest intervention.
How do I get rid of foxglove aphid (aulacorthum solani) on straw foxglove?
Pale green colonies under leaves and on flower spikes cause mottled yellowing and sticky deposits. Spray with insecticidal soap; encourage lacewings and ladybirds by planting nectar sources nearby.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on straw foxglove?
Holes in basal rosette leaves and young emerging shoots, especially in damp, shaded conditions. Use iron phosphate slug pellets or copper barriers; avoid heavy bark mulch directly around crowns.
How do I get rid of vine weevil on straw foxglove?
Notched, U-shaped bites around leaf margins by adults; grubs eat roots causing sudden plant collapse. Apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist soil in late summer or autumn to target larvae.