What's eating my viola cornuta 'etain'?

Viola cornuta 'Etain' (a tufted viola) is troubled primarily by aphids and slugs, and is a known target for viola sawfly larvae which can defoliate plants rapidly in late spring. Rabbits readily eat violas in garden borders. Being a perennial viola, it can also host overwintering aphid eggs which explode in early spring.

Yellow-green or black colonies on stem undersides and new shoots; leaf curl; sticky honeydew and sooty mould. Spray insecticidal soap or neem oil fortnightly from early spring. Use a systemic drench for persistent colonies on established plants.

Larvae feed on leaf margins and blades; plants can be stripped of foliage rapidly in May–June; green caterpillar-like larvae visible. Hand-pick larvae daily when spotted; spray spinosad or pyrethrin. Monitor closely in late spring each year.

Holes in leaves and flowers, especially at plant base; damage peaks in wet spring weather; trails visible at night. Apply iron-phosphate slug pellets; use grit or sharp sand as a mulch; hand-pick after dark. Keep crown area free of debris.

Whole stems cleanly bitten off; flowers removed at source; significant damage possible in gardens without barriers. Use low wire mesh guards around clumps; plant in raised containers or beds. Rabbit repellent sprays provide limited short-term deterrence.