Will aphids kill my Redshank?

A small number of aphids usually will not kill the plant, but they can stunt growth and spread viruses. It is best to remove them as soon as you see them.

Can I use dish soap to kill the bugs?

Yes, you can mix a teaspoon of mild dish soap with a quart of water. Spray it on the pests, but make sure to rinse the leaves off after a few hours to prevent damage.

Why are there bugs on my Redshank? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of new leaves for tiny moving insects.
Check for sticky residue on the leaves or stems.
Look for fine webbing near the joints of the plant.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small green or black insects clustering on new growth and flower spikes. The leaves may also look sticky or distorted.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Spider mites
Possible
How to tell: Look for fine webbing between the stems and tiny yellow stippling on the leaves. These pests thrive in dry, hot conditions.
What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it daily. Use neem oil to treat the infestation once a week for 3 weeks.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your redshank

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.

When to worry

If the plant is covered in bugs and the leaves are curling or dying, it is time to act immediately. A few stray bugs are normal, but a full colony will weaken the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your Redshank well watered and healthy, as stressed plants are more attractive to pests. Check your plant weekly during the growing season.

Redshank: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your redshank 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will aphids kill my Redshank?: A small number of aphids usually will not kill the plant, but they can stunt growth and spread viruses. It is best to remove them as soon as you see them.
Can I use dish soap to kill the bugs?: Yes, you can mix a teaspoon of mild dish soap with a quart of water. Spray it on the pests, but make sure to rinse the leaves off after a few hours to prevent damage.

Why are there bugs on my Redshank?

Check these first

Likely causes

Aphid infestation

Spider mites

Find out what's wrong with your redshank

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Redshank: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Redshank