What's eating my buddleja alternifolia?

Buddleja alternifolia shares the pest profile of the genus: aphids colonise new growth, mullein moth caterpillars can strip arching stems in early summer, figwort weevils notch leaf margins, and capsid bugs distort shoot tips. Because B. alternifolia flowers on prior-year wood, pest damage to new growth matters less, but heavy aphid colonies should still be managed.

Colonies on soft new shoots and leaf undersides; sticky honeydew leads to sooty mould and can attract ants. Blast with water; encourage ladybirds and hoverflies. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent infestations.

Bold yellow, black, and white caterpillars defoliate stems from late spring to midsummer. Hand-pick caterpillars; apply Bacillus thuringiensis spray on small larvae.

Notched leaf margins and damaged flower buds from adults and larvae feeding on foliage and shoot tips. Hand removal usually sufficient; contact insecticide for severe outbreaks.