What's eating my buddleja davidii 'white profusion'?

Butterfly bush 'White Profusion' attracts caterpillars — buddleja can host mullein moth larvae which cause heavy defoliation. Aphids cluster on new growth and foxglove aphid can be severe. Spider mites attack in dry summers. Rabbits and deer browse young plants. Mullein moth caterpillars are the single most visible and damaging pest.

Large, boldly spotted caterpillars strip leaves and flowerheads rapidly, causing dramatic defoliation in early summer. Hand-pick caterpillars daily — they are large and easy to spot; drop into soapy water. Bt spray for heavy infestations.

Dense colonies on shoot tips and flower buds; honeydew, sooty mould, and stunted new growth. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; attract ladybirds by growing companion nectar plants.

Fine pale stippling on foliage, bronze cast, and webbing under leaves during hot dry spells. Mist foliage; apply insecticidal soap to leaf undersides; introduce predatory mites if in a sheltered spot.

Young stems and shoots browsed back hard, especially on newly planted shrubs in winter. Use wire-mesh guards on young plants; apply repellent spray around the perimeter.