What's eating my texas bluebonnet?

Texas Bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis) is targeted by aphids on the flower spikes, by caterpillars such as the genista broom moth that defoliate stems, and by deer and rabbits that browse the showy blooms. Slugs damage seedlings after rain. Scout for caterpillars from late spring and protect young plants from wildlife to secure a full display.

Dense colonies on flower spikes and stem tips; honeydew, sooty mold, and wilting buds. Spray with water or insecticidal soap; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote soft, aphid-attracting growth.

Caterpillars skeletonize leaves and strip stems bare; large populations can defoliate plants rapidly. Hand-pick caterpillars; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray at first sign; remove egg clusters from foliage.

Flower stems and foliage browsed; young seedlings may be eaten to the soil line. Use wire cages around seedling beds; apply deer repellent spray; mass plantings recover better than isolated specimens.

Ragged holes in cotyledons and young leaves after rain; silvery slime trails on soil. Apply iron phosphate bait around seedbeds; avoid overwatering; hand-pick at dusk.