Pest identification
What's eating my caryopteris x clandonensis 'heavenly blue'?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine pale stippling on leaves, bronzed foliage, and fine webbing in hot, dry conditions.
Control: Mist foliage regularly to raise humidity; apply insecticidal soap or predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis) for heavy attacks.
Capsid bugs
Signs: Distorted, puckered shoot tips with small brown spots where nymphs have pierced and fed.
Control: Remove affected shoot tips; insecticidal soap or pyrethrin spray when nymphs are active in late spring.
Rabbits
Signs: Young stems and shoots gnawed back hard, particularly in winter when other food is scarce.
Control: Protect with wire-mesh cylinders to 60 cm; apply rabbit repellent around the base.
Keep caryopteris x clandonensis 'heavenly blue' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common caryopteris x clandonensis 'heavenly blue' problems & fixes
- Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Heavenly Blue' watering schedule
- Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Heavenly Blue' light requirements
- Full caryopteris x clandonensis 'heavenly blue' care guide
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Heavenly Blue' pests — FAQ
What is eating my caryopteris x clandonensis 'heavenly blue'?
Bluebeard 'Heavenly Blue' is largely trouble-free but spider mites can attack in hot, dry summers, causing bronzed and speckled foliage. Capsid bugs occasionally distort shoot tips. Rabbits browse young plants in winter. The aromatic foliage deters many common pests. Good drainage and airflow prevent most problems from taking hold.
How do I get rid of spider mites on caryopteris x clandonensis 'heavenly blue'?
Fine pale stippling on leaves, bronzed foliage, and fine webbing in hot, dry conditions. Mist foliage regularly to raise humidity; apply insecticidal soap or predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis) for heavy attacks.
How do I get rid of capsid bugs on caryopteris x clandonensis 'heavenly blue'?
Distorted, puckered shoot tips with small brown spots where nymphs have pierced and fed. Remove affected shoot tips; insecticidal soap or pyrethrin spray when nymphs are active in late spring.
How do I get rid of rabbits on caryopteris x clandonensis 'heavenly blue'?
Young stems and shoots gnawed back hard, particularly in winter when other food is scarce. Protect with wire-mesh cylinders to 60 cm; apply rabbit repellent around the base.