Pest identification
What's eating my tulipa 'monsella'?
Squirrels & voles
Signs: Bulbs removed or eaten underground; no spring emergence from affected areas
Control: Plant inside wire-mesh cages; cover bed with galvanised hardware cloth; use a physical barrier rather than repellents alone
Aphids
Signs: Sticky deposits, leaf curl, weaker stems; colonies evident on leaves and flower stems in spring
Control: Insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove by hand or water blast; avoid over-fertilising with nitrogen
Slugs & snails
Signs: Holes chewed in emerging leaves and soft stem bases; silvery mucus trails on soil and foliage
Control: Ferric phosphate pellets; copper tape on pot rims; improve soil drainage to reduce slug activity
Keep tulipa 'monsella' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tulipa 'Monsella' pests — FAQ
What is eating my tulipa 'monsella'?
Tulipa 'Monsella' is a double early tulip whose plump bulbs are prime targets for squirrels, mice, and voles. Aphids attack stems and foliage in spring. Slugs damage young emerging shoots. Its double blooms can retain moisture and become infected with grey mould (Botrytis tulipae) after pest-related tissue damage.
How do I get rid of squirrels & voles on tulipa 'monsella'?
Bulbs removed or eaten underground; no spring emergence from affected areas Plant inside wire-mesh cages; cover bed with galvanised hardware cloth; use a physical barrier rather than repellents alone
How do I get rid of aphids on tulipa 'monsella'?
Sticky deposits, leaf curl, weaker stems; colonies evident on leaves and flower stems in spring Insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove by hand or water blast; avoid over-fertilising with nitrogen
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on tulipa 'monsella'?
Holes chewed in emerging leaves and soft stem bases; silvery mucus trails on soil and foliage Ferric phosphate pellets; copper tape on pot rims; improve soil drainage to reduce slug activity