Will aphids kill my Ragged Robin?

They rarely kill the plant, but they can weaken it and ruin the flowers. It is best to catch them early.

Yes, neem oil is effective, but apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun. Follow the label instructions carefully.

Why are there bugs on my Ragged Robin? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of all leaves.
Look closely at the flower buds for clusters of insects.
Check for sticky residue on the leaves.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny, soft bodied insects on the stems or buds. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.
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 the bugs are gone.
Ant farming
Possible
How to tell: If you see ants crawling up and down the stems, they are likely protecting the aphids. They move the aphids around to harvest the honeydew.
What to do: Focus on clearing the aphids first, as the ants will leave once their food source is removed. You can also place a sticky barrier around the base of the plant to deter ants.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your ragged robin

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

A few aphids are normal, but you should act if you see them covering the buds or causing the plant to look stunted. If the plant is covered in black sooty mold, treat it immediately.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with consistent moisture, as stressed plants are more attractive to pests. Check the plant weekly during the growing season.

Ragged Robin: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your ragged robin 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 Ragged Robin?: They rarely kill the plant, but they can weaken it and ruin the flowers. It is best to catch them early.
Can I use neem oil?: Yes, neem oil is effective, but apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun. Follow the label instructions carefully.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are there bugs on my Ragged Robin?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your ragged robin?