What's eating my camellia 'jury's yellow'?

Camellia 'Jury's Yellow' is most threatened by camellia scale and vine weevil. Scale insects encrust stems and cause yellowing leaves; vine weevil larvae destroy roots. Outdoors it also attracts aphids on soft spring growth. Vigilant inspection of stems and soil, combined with systemic or biological controls, keeps it healthy.

White or brown waxy shells encrust stems and the undersides of leaves; foliage yellows and the plant loses vigour. Scrub small infestations with a soft brush dipped in soapy water. Apply a horticultural oil or systemic insecticide (e.g., imidacloprid drench) in late spring when crawlers are active.

Adults notch leaf margins at night; white C-shaped larvae in the root zone eat roots, causing sudden wilting or collapse. Apply biological nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist soil in late summer–autumn. Use imidacloprid drench in containers. Check for adults at night with a torch and pick them off.

Soft-bodied colonies on new shoot tips cause curled, distorted young leaves and leave sticky honeydew that promotes sooty mould. Blast off with a strong jet of water. Introduce or encourage ladybirds and lacewings. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil if colonies persist.

Fine pale stippling on upper leaf surfaces; bronze or silvery foliage; fine webbing visible under leaves in hot, dry spells. Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge mites. Apply predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis) or insecticidal soap / dilute neem oil as needed.