Pest identification
What's eating my chinese plum yew?
Deer
Signs: Stems and foliage browsed, particularly in winter; repeated browsing prevents the shrub from establishing and may kill young plants
Control: Wire mesh or deer netting around young plants for the first 3–5 years; commercial deer repellents applied monthly during the growing season
Scale insects
Signs: Armored or soft scales on stems and leaf undersides; yellowing foliage and sticky honeydew in sheltered positions
Control: Horticultural oil spray in late winter; insecticidal soap or neem oil follow-up in early summer; hand-remove light infestations
Black vine weevil
Signs: Notched leaf margins from night-feeding adults; larvae damage roots, causing wilting and poor vigor in young plants
Control: Apply Steinernema kraussei nematodes to moist soil in late summer; use sticky barriers around stems to trap adult weevils
Keep chinese plum yew pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Chinese Plum Yew pests — FAQ
What is eating my chinese plum yew?
Chinese Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus sinensis) shares the tough, pest-resistant character of its relatives. Scale insects and mealybugs are occasional problems in low-airflow spots. Deer will browse unprotected plants. Root weevil larvae can damage young specimens. Overall, this is a low-maintenance shrub where deer pressure is typically the biggest practical concern in gardens.
How do I get rid of deer on chinese plum yew?
Stems and foliage browsed, particularly in winter; repeated browsing prevents the shrub from establishing and may kill young plants Wire mesh or deer netting around young plants for the first 3–5 years; commercial deer repellents applied monthly during the growing season
How do I get rid of scale insects on chinese plum yew?
Armored or soft scales on stems and leaf undersides; yellowing foliage and sticky honeydew in sheltered positions Horticultural oil spray in late winter; insecticidal soap or neem oil follow-up in early summer; hand-remove light infestations
How do I get rid of black vine weevil on chinese plum yew?
Notched leaf margins from night-feeding adults; larvae damage roots, causing wilting and poor vigor in young plants Apply Steinernema kraussei nematodes to moist soil in late summer; use sticky barriers around stems to trap adult weevils