Pest identification
What's eating my tall coreopsis?
Aphids
Signs: Soft colonies on shoot tips and flower stems; sticky honeydew; minor distortion on young growth.
Control: Use a water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap for heavier infestations; tolerate low numbers as beneficial insects follow.
Leafhoppers (aster yellows vector)
Signs: Leaves appear bleached or bronzed; infected plants produce abnormal, greened flowers and fail to set seed properly.
Control: Remove and bag infected plants promptly; apply reflective mulch to deter leafhoppers; keep planting area weed-free.
Sawfly larvae
Signs: Small, pale caterpillar-like larvae skeletonise or mine leaves, usually on lower foliage.
Control: Hand-pick larvae; apply spinosad or neem oil spray; remove heavily infested leaves.
Keep tall coreopsis pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tall Coreopsis pests — FAQ
What is eating my tall coreopsis?
Tall Coreopsis, a robust native perennial reaching 8 feet, has few serious pest problems. Aphids gather on soft new growth and flower buds. Leafhoppers can spread aster yellows, disfiguring flowers. Sawfly larvae occasionally mine or chew leaves. Deer tend to avoid it once established but may sample new plants.
How do I get rid of aphids on tall coreopsis?
Soft colonies on shoot tips and flower stems; sticky honeydew; minor distortion on young growth. Use a water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap for heavier infestations; tolerate low numbers as beneficial insects follow.
How do I get rid of leafhoppers (aster yellows vector) on tall coreopsis?
Leaves appear bleached or bronzed; infected plants produce abnormal, greened flowers and fail to set seed properly. Remove and bag infected plants promptly; apply reflective mulch to deter leafhoppers; keep planting area weed-free.
How do I get rid of sawfly larvae on tall coreopsis?
Small, pale caterpillar-like larvae skeletonise or mine leaves, usually on lower foliage. Hand-pick larvae; apply spinosad or neem oil spray; remove heavily infested leaves.