What's eating my annual phlox 'sugar stars'?

Annual Phlox 'Sugar Stars' is most commonly troubled by spider mites, which thrive in the hot, dry spells that coincide with peak flowering. Aphids cluster on new growth in spring. Thrips scar petals and leaves. Keeping plants well-watered and not overcrowded greatly reduces pest pressure.

Tiny pin-prick yellow stippling across leaves; leaves dry and bronzed in hot weather; fine webbing visible under leaves in heavy infestations. Spray forcefully with water every other day to dislodge mites; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, targeting leaf undersides; keep plants watered to reduce heat stress.

Soft-bodied colonies cluster on growing tips and flower buds in spring, causing curled leaves and sticky honeydew deposits. Blast off with a firm water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybirds and lacewings which naturally control aphid populations.

Silvery or brownish streaking on leaves and petals; flowers may be distorted or fail to open; thrips hide inside buds. Remove and dispose of affected buds and flowers; spray with insecticidal soap or spinosad; reflective silver mulch reduces thrips immigration.