What's eating my the governor lupine?

The Governor lupine faces aphids — particularly lupin aphid (Macrosiphum albifrons) — as its chief threat, often disfiguring flower spikes. Slugs demolish seedlings, and vine weevil grubs eat roots. Rabbits and deer browse shoots readily. Act early on aphids; large colonies cause rapid wilting and honeydew-driven sooty mould.

Large, greyish-pink colonies on stems, leaves and flower spikes; severe wilting, sticky honeydew, sooty mould. Squash small colonies by hand; strong water jets; insecticidal soap or pyrethrins; encourage ladybirds and parasitic wasps.

Seedlings severed at soil level; ragged holes in young leaves; slime trails on soil. Iron-phosphate or ferric-phosphate pellets; copper collars; hand-pick at night; avoid overwatering which draws slugs.

Notched leaf margins from adult feeding at night; plants collapse as C-shaped grubs eat roots. Apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist soil in late summer or autumn; inspect roots of struggling plants and remove grubs.

Clean cuts at stem base; entire shoots and flower spikes removed overnight. Wire-mesh guards around plants; repellent sprays; protect newly planted lupines until established.