What's eating my strawberry globe amaranth?

Strawberry globe amaranth (Gomphrena haageana) is highly pest-resistant, much like its cousin G. globosa. Aphids and spider mites are the pests most likely to appear, typically during dry spells or heat waves. Whiteflies can occasionally settle on foliage. Deer and rabbits generally leave it alone. Serious infestations are uncommon and usually easy to correct.

Clusters of small soft insects on tender shoot tips and emerging flower heads; honeydew residue attracts sooty mould. Spray with a forceful water jet or insecticidal soap; apply neem oil for persistent colonies; avoid excess nitrogen fertiliser.

Pale speckling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves may bronze or drop prematurely in severe dry heat. Water plants consistently to reduce heat stress; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested growth.

Whitefly adults flutter up from leaves when touched; nymphs on leaf undersides cause yellowing and leaf drop. Use yellow sticky traps near plants; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap targeting leaf undersides; clear crop debris at season end.