What's eating my tuberous begonia?

Tuberous Begonias grown outdoors face aphids, vine weevils, slugs, and powdery mildew damage from mites — plus deer and rabbits where present. Aphids cluster on soft stems and buds. Vine weevil larvae destroy tubers underground. Slugs shred petals and foliage at night. Inspect regularly from planting through bloom and act quickly on first signs.

Clusters of soft-bodied insects on shoot tips and flower buds; distorted growth, honeydew, and sooty mold Blast off with a strong jet of water; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybirds and lacewings

Irregular notches on leaf margins from adult beetles at night; larvae eat tubers causing sudden plant collapse Apply pathogenic nematodes (Steinernema kraussei or Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) to moist soil in late summer; use vine weevil killer granules; check tubers at lifting

Ragged holes in petals and leaves overnight; silvery slime trails on the soil and foliage Set beer traps; apply iron phosphate pellets (pet-safe); hand-pick at night; keep mulch away from stems

Pale stippling on leaves and a bronzed, dusty appearance, especially in warm dry summers Spray with water to disrupt colonies; apply insecticidal soap or sulphur-based spray; avoid planting in drought-stressed positions