Why are slugs and snails eating my Alpine delphinium?

Check these first

1. Inspect the base of the plant at night with a flashlight.
2. Look for slime trails on the soil surface.
3. Check the undersides of the lowest leaves for small holes.

Likely causes

1. Slug and snail infestation

   Most likely

   How to tell: You will see irregular holes in the leaves or entire shoots chewed off near the ground. Look for telltale silvery slime trails on the soil or foliage.

   What to do: Handpick them at night when they are most active. Apply a pet safe iron phosphate bait around the base of the plant every 2 weeks during the spring.

2. Overcrowded planting

   Possible

   How to tell: Dense foliage creates a cool, damp environment that pests prefer. If the plants are too close together, they provide perfect hiding spots.

   What to do: Thin out your plants to improve airflow. Keep the area around the base of the stems clear of debris and mulch to remove hiding spots.

When to worry

You should worry if the primary growing tip is eaten, as this can stop the plant from blooming. Minor leaf damage is usually manageable.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil surface clean and dry, and use copper tape or crushed eggshells around the base to deter them.

Questions people ask

Will my delphinium grow back if the top is eaten?

Yes, it often will, but it may be shorter and bloom later than usual. Keep it well watered to encourage new growth.

Are beer traps effective?

They can be, but they often attract more slugs from your neighbors' yards. Physical barriers or iron phosphate baits are usually more reliable.

More problems with Alpine delphinium

• Why does my Alpine delphinium have white spots on its leaves?
• Why is my Alpine delphinium not producing flowers?