What's eating my caryopteris x clandonensis 'dark knight'?

'Dark Knight' bluebeard with its deep violet flowers is strongly aromatic and generally pest-resistant. Spider mites are the main threat in hot, dry weather. Capsid bugs may distort shoot tips in early summer. Deer occasionally browse the foliage, though the strong scent usually deters them. It's among the easier garden shrubs to keep healthy.

Fine silver-grey stippling on upper leaf surface; webbing visible under leaves in hot, dry spells. Mist plants to reduce heat stress; spray insecticidal soap on undersides of leaves; introduce Phytoseiulus persimilis predatory mites.

Shoot tips distorted and puckered with small brown lesions where bugs have fed. Remove and destroy affected growth; apply a contact insecticide at the first sign of nymphs.

Browse damage to tips and upper foliage, though less common due to the plant's aromatic oils. Deer-repellent sprays applied monthly during the growing season; fencing on deer-pressure sites.