What's eating my verbena × hybrida 'superbena stormburst'?

Verbena 'Superbena Stormburst' is a vigorous trailing hybrid but spider mites and verbena budworm are its most common pests. Aphids cluster on new shoots, whitefly build up in warm sheltered spots, and thrips damage petals causing silvery streaking. Act early — pests in dense trailing growth are easy to miss until populations are large.

Fine stippling and bronzing of leaves; webbing visible on undersides; plant looks drought-stressed even when watered. Spray undersides with water forcefully; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; avoid overhead watering that spreads mites.

Unopened buds with small entry holes; caterpillars hidden inside buds; flower count drops noticeably. Spray Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) regularly during peak moth flight; remove and destroy damaged buds; use pyrethrin if severe.

Soft-bodied insects on shoot tips causing sticky coating, distorted new leaves, and reduced vigour. Knock off with water; apply insecticidal soap; check for ants farming aphids and use sticky barrier bands on containers.

Silvery streaking and flecking on petals and leaves; flowers appear bleached or distorted; tiny insects visible on inspection. Use blue sticky traps to monitor; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap; remove and bag infested flowers.