Pest identification
What's eating my superba astilbe?
Black vine weevil
Signs: Root-feeding larvae cause unexplained wilting; characteristic notched leaf margins made by adult weevils from May to July
Control: Apply beneficial nematodes to moist soil in late summer; inspect crowns of any wilting clumps for white grubs; destroy affected material
Spider mites
Signs: Bronze or silvery stippling on leaves, especially in hot weather; webbing visible under magnification on leaf undersides
Control: Increase humidity around plants; spray with a strong jet of water to dislodge mites; follow with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray
Keep superba astilbe pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Superba Astilbe pests — FAQ
What is eating my superba astilbe?
Superba Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis) is one of the most drought-tolerant astilbes and generally very pest-resistant. Black vine weevil is the primary concern, attacking roots in late summer. Spider mites can appear during dry spells. Deer and rabbits leave it alone, making it a low-maintenance border plant.
How do I get rid of black vine weevil on superba astilbe?
Root-feeding larvae cause unexplained wilting; characteristic notched leaf margins made by adult weevils from May to July Apply beneficial nematodes to moist soil in late summer; inspect crowns of any wilting clumps for white grubs; destroy affected material
How do I get rid of spider mites on superba astilbe?
Bronze or silvery stippling on leaves, especially in hot weather; webbing visible under magnification on leaf undersides Increase humidity around plants; spray with a strong jet of water to dislodge mites; follow with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray