What's eating my buddleja globosa?

Orange ball tree is generally robust but attracts several pests. Aphids — including the cotton-melon aphid — are the most consistent problem, clustering on new growth. Mullein moth caterpillars can cause noticeable defoliation, and capsid bugs create distorted, holey foliage. Red spider mite flares in dry summers.

Dense colonies on young shoot tips cause curled leaves, sticky honeydew, and sooty mould; ants patrolling stems are a key indicator. Check shoots and leaf undersides regularly; blast off with water; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybirds and parasitic wasps.

Large, yellow-spotted black-and-white caterpillars eat leaves and growing tips, sometimes causing significant defoliation. Hand-pick caterpillars; apply Bt spray while larvae are small; accept low-level feeding as they are native wildlife.

Ragged, irregular holes and brown-edged tears appear on young leaves as they expand; shoot tips may be distorted. Remove weeds that harbour capsids; apply insecticide in spring when nymphs are active; little control needed for minor damage.

Fine stippling and pale mottling on leaves; webbing on undersides; worst in hot, dry summers on stressed plants. Keep plant well watered; mist foliage in dry spells; apply miticide or introduce predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis.