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White campion · Silene latifolia

What are the bugs on my white campion?

It is less common for white campion to suffer from severe pest infestations, and this usually happens due to aphids or rust fungus. Check the undersides of the leaves for orange pustules or tiny insects.

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves for orange spots.
  2. Look for clusters of tiny bugs on the stems.
  3. Check if the leaves are sticky from honeydew.

Likely causes

  1. Rust fungus

    Most likely

    How to tell: Small orange pustules appear on the undersides of leaves.

    What to do: Remove and destroy the infected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation by thinning out crowded plants.

  2. Aphids

    Possible

    How to tell: Tiny green or black insects cluster on new growth and flower buds.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. Use insecticidal soap if the infestation persists.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your white campion

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 the rust covers more than half the foliage or if aphids are causing the plant to stunt. It is normal to see an occasional bug in a healthy garden.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area clean of debris and ensure plants have plenty of space for airflow.

White campion: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your white campion 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

Is rust fungus fatal to white campion?
It is rarely fatal but can weaken the plant significantly if left untreated. Keep the foliage dry when watering to prevent it.
Can I use neem oil on my plant?
Yes, neem oil is effective against both aphids and early stages of rust. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.

Guides to these causes

More problems with White campion

Back to the White campion 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.