What's eating my acer palmatum 'butterfly'?

Acer palmatum 'Butterfly' attracts aphids to its variegated shoot tips in spring and is susceptible to scale insects on stems. Vine weevil is a significant risk in pots. The delicate cream-and-green variegation shows honeydew damage especially clearly. Aphids are the most commonly reported pest and should be treated at first sight.

Colonies on young shoots and cream-edged leaves; sticky honeydew mars the ornamental variegation; sooty mould follows Treat immediately with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage aphid predators; avoid excessive nitrogen fertiliser

Waxy oval scales cluster on stems; persistent infestation reduces vigour and causes die-back Scrape off scales; apply winter wash or horticultural oil; systemic insecticide for heavy infestations

Root destruction in containers causing sudden wilting; characteristic notching of leaf margins by adults Apply nematodes in late summer; incorporate vine weevil controls when repotting; check root ball annually