What's eating my tulipa 'angelique'?

Tulipa 'Angelique', a peony-flowered double tulip, is targeted primarily by squirrels digging up bulbs and aphids on its lush spring growth. Its densely petalled, heavy blooms also attract grey mould in wet weather. Slugs readily attack the soft emerging shoots, and deer will browse flowers in open gardens.

Bulbs excavated and removed; bare patches with no spring growth Plant bulbs in wire-mesh baskets; lay chicken wire flat over the bed pegged down; lift and store bulbs in autumn

Honeydew deposits, sticky leaves, and curling foliage; can spread tulip virus causing flower colour streaking Knock off colonies with water; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; avoid nitrogen-heavy feeding that promotes lush soft growth

Irregular holes in leaves and emerging shoots; silvery mucus trails in the morning Ferric phosphate pellets are wildlife-safe; hand-pick at night; improve drainage to reduce slug habitat