What's eating my callicarpa dichotoma?

Purple beautyberry is rarely bothered by pests. Aphids and caterpillars occasionally feed on foliage, and leaf spot diseases can cause cosmetic blemishes. The plant is generally vigorous enough to tolerate low-level pest pressure without intervention; good drainage and air circulation are the best preventives.

Dense colonies on soft shoot tips lead to leaf curl, sticky honeydew deposits, and secondary sooty mould on foliage beneath. Spray with a strong jet of water to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; allow natural predators to build up.

Chewed holes in leaves or complete leaf skeletonisation; frass present; severe infestations cause defoliation by midsummer. Hand-pick caterpillars and egg masses; use Bt spray; remove and dispose of heavily infested stems.