Pest identification
What's eating my veronica spicata subsp. incana?
Aphids
Signs: Soft colonies on flower spikes and tender shoot tips; honeydew deposits and possible sooty mould on foliage.
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or knock off with a water jet; encourage predatory insects.
Slugs and snails
Signs: Holes and slime damage on young basal leaves, mainly in cool, moist conditions in spring.
Control: Apply ferric phosphate pellets; grit mulch around crowns; hand-pick at night.
Rabbits
Signs: Clean-cut browsing of stems and leaves, often down to ground level, particularly in late winter and early spring.
Control: Protect young plants with wire mesh guards; use rabbit-proof fencing around borders in areas with high rabbit pressure.
Keep veronica spicata subsp. incana pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats spiked speedwell — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common veronica spicata subsp. incana problems & fixes
- Veronica spicata subsp. incana watering schedule
- Veronica spicata subsp. incana light requirements
- Full veronica spicata subsp. incana care guide
Veronica spicata subsp. incana pests — FAQ
What is eating my veronica spicata subsp. incana?
Veronica spicata subsp. incana (silver speedwell) can be affected by aphids on its spikes and new shoots. Powdery mildew is its most common problem rather than animal pests, though slugs may damage young growth. Rabbits occasionally browse it. The silver-leaved form's woolly texture provides some deterrence to pests.
How do I get rid of aphids on veronica spicata subsp. incana?
Soft colonies on flower spikes and tender shoot tips; honeydew deposits and possible sooty mould on foliage. Spray with insecticidal soap or knock off with a water jet; encourage predatory insects.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on veronica spicata subsp. incana?
Holes and slime damage on young basal leaves, mainly in cool, moist conditions in spring. Apply ferric phosphate pellets; grit mulch around crowns; hand-pick at night.
How do I get rid of rabbits on veronica spicata subsp. incana?
Clean-cut browsing of stems and leaves, often down to ground level, particularly in late winter and early spring. Protect young plants with wire mesh guards; use rabbit-proof fencing around borders in areas with high rabbit pressure.