What's eating my deutzia gracilis?

Deutzia gracilis is generally low-maintenance but aphids can colonize soft new growth in spring. Scale insects occasionally appear on older woody stems. In deer country, young shoots and flower buds are browsed. Slugs and snails may damage low-hanging foliage and new shoots in wet seasons.

Sticky honeydew on leaves and stems; curled or puckered new growth; possible sooty mould developing in humid conditions Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; dislodge with water jet; encourage parasitic wasps and ladybirds

Brown, waxy bumps on bark and older stems; yellowing foliage; dieback of weakened branches over time Scrub off small infestations with a soft brush and soapy water; apply dormant horticultural oil in late winter

Ragged browsing of shoot tips and flower buds in spring; lower branches stripped in lean months Use deer fencing or motion-activated deterrents; apply scent repellents, reapplying after rain

Irregular holes in low leaves and soft new shoots; silvery slime trails visible on foliage and soil Apply iron phosphate pellets; use copper tape around crown; hand-pick at dusk or after rain