Pest identification
What's eating my variegated sweet flag?
Aphids
Signs: Colonies of small soft insects on new growth; sticky honeydew and distorted young leaves.
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; use a strong water jet to dislodge colonies.
Leaf miners
Signs: Serpentine pale tunnels within leaf blades spoil the variegated appearance.
Control: Cut out and dispose of mined leaves; monitor closely and remove early.
Slugs & snails
Signs: Irregular holes and chewed margins on variegated leaves; slime trails after wet weather.
Control: Apply iron phosphate slug pellets at the plant base; hand-pick at dusk; use grit mulch around crowns.
Keep variegated sweet flag pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Variegated Sweet Flag pests — FAQ
What is eating my variegated sweet flag?
Variegated Sweet Flag shares pest vulnerabilities with the straight species: aphids cluster on fresh growth, leaf miners tunnel through blades, and slugs and snails graze the attractive cream-edged foliage. Its aromatic oils deter deer and rabbits. Promptly remove damaged leaves to keep the variegation looking its best.
How do I get rid of aphids on variegated sweet flag?
Colonies of small soft insects on new growth; sticky honeydew and distorted young leaves. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; use a strong water jet to dislodge colonies.
How do I get rid of leaf miners on variegated sweet flag?
Serpentine pale tunnels within leaf blades spoil the variegated appearance. Cut out and dispose of mined leaves; monitor closely and remove early.
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on variegated sweet flag?
Irregular holes and chewed margins on variegated leaves; slime trails after wet weather. Apply iron phosphate slug pellets at the plant base; hand-pick at dusk; use grit mulch around crowns.