Flower problems
Use the photographs below to visually identify pest and disease problems on flowers. Click on the links where appropriate to find out even more about prevention and control.
Aphids
The most common of all pests and almost every plant from the smallest shrub to the tallest oak tree can be infested.
Click here for further details.
Earwigs
A pest that eats the developing buds of chrysanthemums and dahlias. These bugs cause damage to plants as they eat the young leaves and flowers. Damage is most easily recognised as irregular holes in leaves and petals.
Click here for further details.
Grey mould
This is an extremely common fungus and grows on many plants. As the name suggests a greyish fuzzy fungal growth develops over the infected area.
Click here for further details.
Rain Damage
Causes ‘balling’ of flower heads.
Red spider mite
Perhaps the smallest of the common sap feeding insects. Leaves first develop a pale mottling but as the infestation progresses so the leaves become increasingly yellowish white.
Click here for further details.
Smuts
Small dark spots on stems. Larger dark swellings again on stems often accompanied by leaf distortion. Sometimes swelling and distortion of a flower’s stamen. Black sooty powder.
Click here for further details.
Thrips
Thrips (sometimes called Thunder Flies) are yellow-black, very thin and about 2mm long. Yet another sap feeding insect but one with a difference. This one will happily feed on the surface of a leaf.
Click here for further details.
