Pest identification
What's eating my toe toe?
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or white crusty bumps on canes; yellowing and weakened growth
Control: Scrape off with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil thoroughly to stems
Aphids
Signs: Sticky residue and sooty mold on flower stems; distorted inflorescences
Control: Knock off with water spray; introduce lacewing larvae or apply insecticidal soap
Deer
Signs: Browsing of soft new shoots and flower plumes, particularly in winter
Control: Use deer repellent spray around new growth; plant in exposed, open positions
Keep toe toe pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Toe toe pests — FAQ
What is eating my toe toe?
Toe toe (Cortaderia richardii) is robust with few serious pest problems, but scale insects can colonize cane stems, and aphids gather on flower stalks. In gardens, rabbits and deer occasionally nibble emerging growth. The sharp leaf margins naturally deter many browsing animals.
How do I get rid of scale insects on toe toe?
Brown or white crusty bumps on canes; yellowing and weakened growth Scrape off with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil thoroughly to stems
How do I get rid of aphids on toe toe?
Sticky residue and sooty mold on flower stems; distorted inflorescences Knock off with water spray; introduce lacewing larvae or apply insecticidal soap
How do I get rid of deer on toe toe?
Browsing of soft new shoots and flower plumes, particularly in winter Use deer repellent spray around new growth; plant in exposed, open positions