▷ What's Eating My Lavender Leaves?

Lavender is a beautiful plant that is known for its lovely scent and vibrant purple flowers. It is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping due to its hardy nature and low maintenance requirements. However, there may come a time when you notice that the leaves of your lavender plant are being eaten away. In this article, we will explore some of the common culprits of lavender leaf damage and what you can do to remedy the situation.

Common Lavender Leaf Pests

1. Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that are commonly found on plants. They are usually green or yellow in color and live in colonies on the underside of leaves, feeding on the plant sap. When they feed on lavender leaves, they can cause curling, yellowing, and distortion. You can control aphids by washing them off with water, introducing natural predators like ladybugs, or using insecticidal soap.

2. Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny pests that are barely visible to the naked eye. They are known for their ability to produce webs that cover plants. When they feed on lavender leaves, they cause stippling, yellowing, and eventual leaf drop. Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions, so keeping the plant well-watered and moist can help prevent infestations.

3. Caterpillars

Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths. They can cause significant damage to lavender leaves by consuming large sections of the leaf tissue. Some common caterpillars that feed on lavender include the cabbage worm, cutworm, and hornworm. You can control caterpillars by handpicking them off or using Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), a natural bacterium that is toxic to caterpillars.

4. Snails and Slugs

Snails and slugs are common pests that can cause damage to a wide range of plants, including lavender. They feed on the leaf tissue, leaving large holes and ragged edges. You can control snails and slugs by minimizing moist areas around the plant, using a copper barrier or beer traps, or manually picking them off.

Preventing Lavender Leaf Damage

Apart from pest control, here are some additional tips to prevent lavender leaf damage:

Water the plant deeply and infrequently rather than frequent shallow watering
Plant lavender in well-draining soil with good air circulation
Prune the plant regularly to maintain its shape and remove damaged or diseased leaves
Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can weaken the foliage
Cover the plant with row covers or netting to prevent pests from accessing the plant

Keeping your lavender plants healthy and beautiful does not have to be a tedious task. By taking preventative measures to protect against pests and addressing any issues early on, you can enjoy your lush lavender garden all year round. Remember to always take care when applying any form of pest control, and to stick to the recommended products and methods.

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Last update 2023-06-07. Price and product availability may change.

What’s Eating My Lavender Leaves?