What's eating my tulipa 'apeldoorn'?

Tulipa 'Apeldoorn', a classic Darwin hybrid, is primarily threatened by squirrels and mice excavating the large bulbs. Slugs can damage shoots in early spring, aphids occasionally colonise foliage, and deer and rabbits browse emerging stems. Protecting bulbs at planting with wire mesh prevents most losses.

Bulbs dug out and eaten; scattered soil and empty planting holes are the tell-tale signs. Plant inside buried wire cages or under pinned chicken wire; deter with squirrel repellent granules; plant in autumn when other food is plentiful as a timing strategy.

Emerging foliage and flower stems holed or severed at ground level in damp spring weather. Ferric phosphate pellets applied in early spring as shoots emerge; grit dressing around bulb positions.

Yellowing, distorted leaves with visible colonies; honeydew on foliage; possible mosaic virus spread. Insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; remove infested leaves; encourage natural predators in the garden.

Clean-cut stems and missing flower buds; damage appears overnight in early spring. Wire mesh or cloche protection over beds; deer-repellent spray on stems; fencing for larger garden sections.