What's eating my turkestan tulip?

Turkestan tulip (Tulipa turkestanica), a multi-flowered species tulip, is most at risk from rodents eating the small bulbs. Slugs can damage the low flowers and leaves. Like all species tulips it is hardier and generally less pest-prone than large hybrids, but its many small bulbs can attract mice in storage and in the ground.

Multiple small bulbs eaten underground; colonies disappear or thin out over successive winters. Plant in wire-mesh bulb cages or baskets; store lifted bulbs in secure mesh trays; snap traps in the storage area.

Holes in flowers and foliage close to soil level; most severe in wet spring weather. Iron-phosphate pellets around emerging growth; grit mulch in the planting area; hand-pick at night.

Small colonies on the multiple flower stems; honeydew can attract ants and sooty mould. Insecticidal soap spray; encourage natural predators; wipe colonies off by hand on small plantings.