What's eating my clethra alnifolia 'ruby spice'?

Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' is a vigorous, largely pest-resistant cultivar. Japanese beetles are the most common threat in summer in the eastern US, skeletonizing the foliage. Spider mites can cause stippling in hot dry conditions. Keeping the plant in moist, partly shaded conditions minimizes stress and reduces susceptibility to both pests.

Foliage is skeletonized, leaving only the leaf veins intact; feeding concentrated in midsummer. Hand-pick adults in the morning; apply neem oil or spinosad spray. Remove fallen adults from the soil surface to disrupt pupation.

Gray-green stippling on leaves; bronzed dull appearance and fine webbing during summer heat. Ensure consistent soil moisture; spray leaf undersides with water jets or apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in the evening.

Soft spring shoot tips colonized; leaves may cup slightly with sticky residue. Knock off with water spray; use insecticidal soap if colonies persist. Beneficial insects usually keep populations in check naturally.