Lavender help

Hello, I'm looking for some advice if possible. I am in Lincolnshire and have noticed over the last few days that every morning when I inspect my lavenders that there are a number of stalks that are looking as though they are being nibbled and weakened, leading to the stalks snapping/bending down (see picture - sorry about the focus). I cannot see any signs of a culprit but I'd really like to get to the bottom of the issue before the full blooms of summer. At the moment it is happening in 2-3 plants that are in a row of 5. Any advice/guidance would be gratefully received.
Many thanks, Andy

 

Just a random thought.... but it could be a bird has spotted an insect on your lavender and landed on it for a snack and in the process damaged the flower spike.

 

I can see how your thinking but I've never seen any birds go into the lavender before - I'll set up my wildlife cam just in case. The damage seems to occur overnight and happens to several of the stems on each plant.

 

Birds are up very early this time of year.
I get a serenade (!!??) from pigeons on the roof just after 4am
The cam is a good idea.
Are there any signs of slug/snail trails on the stems - that's about the only other cause that comes to mind atm.

 

Yes, we have a vocal Blackbird that does the same! No signs of slugs/snails and it's happening equally on young and established stems. My macro photography isn't very good, but it does look like something is weakening the stem somehow.

 

Hi

They look like newly planted ? have you fed them ?

if yes with above questions the new growth can be soft and can be juicy to slugs they will toughen up as they get older ,, I never feed lavender if not grown in a pot makes the growth too tender

Spruce

 

I agree.
It's not been snapped, but rather something has had a munch then decided to move on.
Lavender is usually fairly immune to bug attacks due to its oil content.
I reckon the most likely culprit is snails.

 

Thanks for the input everyone.
The plants I first noticed this on are just going into their second year outside.
I'm not going to be beaten on this so will be commencing night patrol this evening (unless it rains!) and will report back.

 

I wondered if there might be a connection to "cuckoo spit" (froghopper larvae) ?
There is a fair bit of it on the flower stalks of my lavender plants.
Not sure what their predators are, or perhaps damage caused by the larvae themselves ?

 

I've been keeping an eye out for 'cuckoo spit'. I've not seen any so far this year on the lavender although I have seen it on the Honeysuckle in the garden. I'll remain vigilant.