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Blanket flower · Gaillardia aristata

What are the bugs on my Blanket flower?

It is less common for Blanket flowers to have major pest issues, as they are quite hardy. Check the undersides of the leaves first to identify any small insects.

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

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the undersides of leaves for tiny bugs.
  2. Check for sticky residue on the foliage.
  3. Inspect the flower buds for clusters of insects.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: Small green or black insects cluster on the new growth and flower buds. You might see a sticky substance called honeydew on the leaves.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, use a mild insecticidal soap once a week.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Tiny yellow dots appear on the leaves, and you might see fine webbing between the stems.

    What to do: Increase humidity around the plant and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. Use neem oil if the infestation is heavy.

Find out what's wrong with your blanket flower

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

Worry if you see significant leaf curling or stunted growth. A few stray bugs are usually not a threat to a healthy, established plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper sunlight and avoid over fertilizing, which can attract aphids.

Keep your blanket flower healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Are these bugs harmful to the flowers?
Aphids can suck sap from the buds, which might cause the flowers to look deformed. It is best to remove them as soon as you see them.
Can I use household soap to kill them?
Use only mild, non-detergent soap diluted in water. Harsh dish soaps can damage the leaves of your Blanket flower.

More problems with Blanket flower

Back to the Blanket flower guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.