What's eating my deutzia x elegantissima 'rosealind'?

Deutzia x elegantissima 'Rosealind' is a relatively pest-resistant hybrid, but aphids are the most common issue, targeting soft pink-budded new shoots. Scale insects may develop on woody stems over time. Deer will browse young growth in spring. Slugs can damage emerging shoots at ground level in wet weather.

Sticky honeydew on shoots; curled or stunted new foliage; colonies visible on underside of leaves and stem tips Remove with water jet or hands; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators in the garden

Waxy brown bumps adhered to bark; weakened and yellowing branches; sticky honeydew leading to sooty mould Scrape off manually; apply dormant horticultural oil in late winter; prune out heavily infested stems

Browsing of tender shoot tips and developing flower clusters, leaving ragged, torn stem ends Use deer fencing or scent repellents; protect with wire cages when young or in high-pressure areas

Ragged holes in low-hanging leaves and soft new shoots at soil level; slime trails left behind Apply iron phosphate slug pellets; lay grit or eggshell mulch around the base; hand-pick at night