Pest identification
What's eating my tulipa 'purissima'?
Squirrels & voles
Signs: Bulbs excavated or tunnelled to underground and consumed; missing emergence in spring
Control: Wire-mesh planting cages; vole-repellent granules around the bulb area; plant with a layer of sharp grit
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on stem and leaf undersides; honeydew causing sticky, sooty residue; potential virus spread
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap; plant among aphid-deterring alliums; remove and destroy heavily infested plants
Rabbits
Signs: Clean-cut bite marks on stems and foliage close to ground level; entire shoots removed overnight
Control: Install low rabbit-proof fencing around beds; apply repellent spray; use wire guards on individual plants
Keep tulipa 'purissima' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tulipa 'Purissima' pests — FAQ
What is eating my tulipa 'purissima'?
Tulipa 'Purissima' (White Emperor), an Emperor-type tulip with large white blooms, is most threatened by squirrels and voles raiding the bulbs. Aphids frequently colonise the broad, glaucous foliage and stems in spring. Slugs attack shoots at ground level in wet springs. Deer and rabbits will graze foliage and flowers in rural gardens.
How do I get rid of squirrels & voles on tulipa 'purissima'?
Bulbs excavated or tunnelled to underground and consumed; missing emergence in spring Wire-mesh planting cages; vole-repellent granules around the bulb area; plant with a layer of sharp grit
How do I get rid of aphids on tulipa 'purissima'?
Colonies on stem and leaf undersides; honeydew causing sticky, sooty residue; potential virus spread Spray with insecticidal soap; plant among aphid-deterring alliums; remove and destroy heavily infested plants
How do I get rid of rabbits on tulipa 'purissima'?
Clean-cut bite marks on stems and foliage close to ground level; entire shoots removed overnight Install low rabbit-proof fencing around beds; apply repellent spray; use wire guards on individual plants