Pest identification
What's eating my veronica longifolia 'blauriesin'?
Aphids
Signs: Soft colonies on flower spikes and new growth; honeydew deposits; flower buds distorted or fail to open
Control: Insecticidal soap or neem oil; water jet; attract natural predators such as ladybirds and hoverflies
Sawfly larvae
Signs: Leaves skeletonized or eaten to midrib; groups of pale caterpillar-like larvae visible on undersides
Control: Hand-pick larvae; spray with pyrethrin or spinosad; check undersides of leaves regularly from late spring
Slugs
Signs: Holes in emerging basal foliage in spring; slime trails; severe in wet springs
Control: Ferric phosphate pellets placed around crowns in early spring; grit mulch; evening hand-removal
Keep veronica longifolia 'blauriesin' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats long-leaved speedwell — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common veronica longifolia 'blauriesin' problems & fixes
- Veronica longifolia 'Blauriesin' watering schedule
- Veronica longifolia 'Blauriesin' light requirements
- Full veronica longifolia 'blauriesin' care guide
Veronica longifolia 'Blauriesin' pests — FAQ
What is eating my veronica longifolia 'blauriesin'?
Veronica longifolia 'Blauriesin' (garden speedwell) is most frequently troubled by aphids and caterpillars on its tall flower spikes, and by sawfly larvae that skeletonize leaves. Slugs graze emerging growth in spring. Being a border perennial, deer may browse it in rural areas. Overall pest pressure is moderate — healthy plants recover well.
How do I get rid of aphids on veronica longifolia 'blauriesin'?
Soft colonies on flower spikes and new growth; honeydew deposits; flower buds distorted or fail to open Insecticidal soap or neem oil; water jet; attract natural predators such as ladybirds and hoverflies
How do I get rid of sawfly larvae on veronica longifolia 'blauriesin'?
Leaves skeletonized or eaten to midrib; groups of pale caterpillar-like larvae visible on undersides Hand-pick larvae; spray with pyrethrin or spinosad; check undersides of leaves regularly from late spring
How do I get rid of slugs on veronica longifolia 'blauriesin'?
Holes in emerging basal foliage in spring; slime trails; severe in wet springs Ferric phosphate pellets placed around crowns in early spring; grit mulch; evening hand-removal