What's eating my ceanothus 'puget blue'?

Ceanothus 'Puget Blue' is largely trouble-free but shares the genus vulnerability to scale insects on stems and branches. The RHS records scale as the primary pest for this cultivar. Aphids occasionally appear on new spring growth. Established plants on well-drained, sunny walls generally outgrow minor infestations without intervention.

Small waxy bumps fixed to stems and the undersides of leaves; sap-feeding weakens the plant and reduces blooming, with honeydew encouraging sooty mould. Natural predators (ladybirds, birds) control light infestations. Treat heavy colonies with BugClear or horticultural oil applied when crawlers are active.

Colonies on tender new shoots in spring; sticky honeydew and potential sooty mould. Dislodge with a water jet; apply insecticidal soap for persistent infestations.