Pest identification
What's eating my tulipa 'rococo'?
Squirrels & mice
Signs: Bulbs dug up and eaten; bare spots where plants should emerge
Control: Plant in wire cages or cover beds with hardware cloth; apply squirrel repellent granules at planting time
Aphids
Signs: Distorted, yellowing foliage; honeydew; virus spread causes streaked or broken petal colour
Control: Remove with strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap; control ants that farm aphids
Slugs & snails
Signs: Holes in emerging foliage; slime trails visible on leaves and soil
Control: Ferric phosphate bait around plants; copper rings on pots; remove mulch close to stems where slugs hide
Keep tulipa 'rococo' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tulipa 'Rococo' pests — FAQ
What is eating my tulipa 'rococo'?
Tulipa 'Rococo' is a parrot tulip with dramatically fringed petals that can trap moisture and invite grey mould. Outdoors, squirrels and mice are the primary bulb predators. Aphids colonise stems and can spread viruses. Slugs attack young growth in spring. In deer-prone areas, the showy flowers are frequently targeted.
How do I get rid of squirrels & mice on tulipa 'rococo'?
Bulbs dug up and eaten; bare spots where plants should emerge Plant in wire cages or cover beds with hardware cloth; apply squirrel repellent granules at planting time
How do I get rid of aphids on tulipa 'rococo'?
Distorted, yellowing foliage; honeydew; virus spread causes streaked or broken petal colour Remove with strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap; control ants that farm aphids
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on tulipa 'rococo'?
Holes in emerging foliage; slime trails visible on leaves and soil Ferric phosphate bait around plants; copper rings on pots; remove mulch close to stems where slugs hide