Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Inspect the flower buds for clusters of tiny green or black insects.
- Check the undersides of the leaves for webbing or movement.
- Look for sticky residue on the stems.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see small, soft bodied insects clustering on the flower buds or new growth. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the plant with a steady stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap directly to the affected areas once a week until they are gone.
Spider mites
PossibleHow to tell: Look for fine webbing between the stems or leaves. The foliage may also appear stippled or pale.
What to do: Increase humidity around the plant if possible and wash the foliage with water. Use neem oil if the infestation covers more than a few leaves.
Find out what's wrong with your deptford pink
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Small numbers are manageable, but you should act if you see the plant growth slowing down or the buds failing to open.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your plants healthy with proper sun exposure and avoid over fertilizing, as lush growth attracts more pests.
Deptford pink: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your deptford pink and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Will aphids kill my Deptford pink?
- Usually no, but they can weaken the plant and ruin your flower display. It is best to remove them as soon as you spot them.
- Can I use dish soap to kill them?
- A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the plant.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Deptford pink
Back to the Deptford pink guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.