Will these pests kill my bellflower?

Usually no, but they can make the plant look very ragged. If they eat all the foliage, the plant will struggle to store energy for next year.

Are chemical pesticides safe to use?

Try to avoid harsh chemicals that kill beneficial insects. Stick to organic methods like handpicking or iron phosphate baits.

Why are there holes in my Peach-leaved bellflower leaves?

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for pests.
Look for slime trails on the soil or stems.
Check the plant at night with a flashlight.

Likely causes

Slugs and snails
Most likely
How to tell: You will see irregular holes in the leaves and perhaps a shiny slime trail nearby. They often feed at night, so you might not see them during the day.
What to do: Handpick them off the plant in the evening or early morning. You can also set out shallow dishes of beer or use iron phosphate bait around the base of the plant to deter them.
Aphids
Possible
How to tell: Look for tiny green or black insects clustering on the new growth or flower buds. They cause the leaves to look distorted or sticky.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If the infestation is heavy, apply insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

When to worry

It is serious if the pests are eating the flower buds before they open. A few small holes on older leaves are usually not a threat to the plant's health.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around your bellflowers clear of debris and mulch to remove hiding spots for slugs. Water in the morning so the soil surface dries out by nightfall.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your peach-leaved bellflower.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Will these pests kill my bellflower?: Usually no, but they can make the plant look very ragged. If they eat all the foliage, the plant will struggle to store energy for next year.
Are chemical pesticides safe to use?: Try to avoid harsh chemicals that kill beneficial insects. Stick to organic methods like handpicking or iron phosphate baits.