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Western wallflower · Erysimum capitatum

Why are there bugs on my Western wallflower?

Western wallflowers are magnets for aphids, especially when they are putting out new flower buds. These tiny insects suck the sap and can weaken your plant quickly.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the tips of new stems.
  2. Check the flower buds for small clusters of insects.
  3. Look for sticky residue on the leaves below the buds.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the tender new growth and flower buds. The leaves might look sticky or start to curl.

    What to do: Spray the aphids off with a strong blast of water from your hose. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap directly to the bugs every 5 days until they are gone.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your western wallflower

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.

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When to worry

Take action as soon as you see them, as aphids multiply very fast. A few aphids are manageable, but a heavy infestation will stop your plant from blooming.

Stopping it coming back

Encourage ladybugs and lacewings in your garden, as they are natural predators that eat aphids.

Western wallflower: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your western wallflower 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.

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Questions people ask

Will aphids kill my wallflower?
They can severely stunt growth and ruin the flowers if left unchecked. However, they rarely kill a healthy, established plant on their own.
Should I use a systemic pesticide?
Avoid systemic chemicals, as they can harm the pollinators that visit your wallflowers. Stick to water sprays or insecticidal soap.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Western wallflower

Back to the Western wallflower 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.