What's eating my daphne laureola?

Spurge laurel is naturally pest-resistant, partly because it evolved without native insect pressure in many regions where it grows. Aphids may colonise tender spring growth and scale insects can appear on stems. Slugs and snails occasionally damage young foliage. Established plants generally outgrow minor infestations without intervention.

Small colonies on new spring shoots cause leaf curl, distortion, sticky honeydew, and occasionally sooty mould. Blast off with a water jet; apply insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators such as ladybirds; tolerant plants rarely need repeated treatment.

Waxy brown or white bumps on stems; yellowing foliage; honeydew and sooty mould beneath infested branches. Scrub off with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil in late winter when crawlers are active; prune out heavily encrusted wood.

Irregular ragged holes in young leaves, particularly in spring and after rain; slime trails are a tell-tale sign. Remove by hand at night; apply iron phosphate slug pellets; use grit or copper barriers around the base of the plant.