What's eating my wood melic?

Wood Melic is most commonly damaged by slugs and snails in its shaded woodland habitat, which shred young leaves and seedheads overnight. Aphids cluster on new growth, and rust fungi cause orange pustules on blades. Deer and rabbits may graze plants hard in late winter when other forage is scarce. Slug control is the priority.

Irregular holes and ragged edges on leaves and seedheads, silvery slime trails on soil and foliage Apply iron-phosphate pellets around the base at dusk; remove leaf litter that provides daytime cover; use copper tape barriers in containers

Distorted, sticky new growth with clusters of soft green or grey insects; sooty mould may follow Blast off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; encourage ladybirds and lacewings

Bright orange or brown powdery pustules on leaf undersides, yellowing above; weakened stems Remove and bin affected blades; improve air circulation; cut the clump hard to the ground in autumn to remove overwintering spores

Clumps grazed to the ground, particularly in winter and early spring when alternative forage is limited Protect new plantings with wire guards or rabbit-proof fencing; established clumps usually recover quickly from browsing