What's eating my choisya x dewitteana 'aztec pearl'?

Choisya 'Aztec Pearl' is a reliably tough shrub with very few pests. Slugs and snails nibble its narrower leaves in spring, capsid bugs occasionally distort shoot tips, and spider mites can appear in prolonged dry heat. It is somewhat more drought-tolerant than C. ternata, which reduces spider mite risk. Slugs remain the most common nuisance.

Irregular holes and nibbled edges on new foliage; most noticeable on young plants. Hand-pick at night; use iron phosphate slug pellets or copper barrier tape; dry gritty mulch at the base.

Pale flecking and mottling on leaf surfaces during hot, dry spells; severe cases cause premature leaf drop. Mist foliage regularly; predatory mites or horticultural soap solution for established infestations.

Distorted, pinholed shoot tips as new leaves unfurl; typically minor on a well-established shrub. Remove affected shoot tips by hand; chemical control rarely necessary.