What's eating my woodruff?

Sweet woodruff is a low-maintenance woodland ground cover with few serious pest problems. Aphids occasionally attack tender spring growth. Slugs and snails are the most consistent threat, particularly in the moist, shaded conditions woodruff prefers. Vine weevil grubs may damage roots in container-grown plants. Deer and rabbits typically leave it alone.

Ragged holes eaten through leaves and stems, especially on young spring growth; slime trails present. Apply iron phosphate bait; scatter grit or eggshells around clumps; hand-pick at night in wet weather.

Clusters on new growth in spring causing leaf curl and honeydew deposits. Blast with water or apply insecticidal soap spray. Light infestations clear naturally once beneficial insects arrive.

Adults notch leaf margins; larvae eat roots leading to sudden wilting and plant collapse, mainly in containers. Apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to compost in late summer; check root balls when repotting.