What's eating my ninebark 'diabolo'?

Ninebark 'Diabolo' is generally tough but aphids cluster on new growth, four-lined plant bugs cause round brown spots on leaves in early summer, and leaf miners create meandering pale tunnels. Rabbits gnaw the bark of young plants. The shrub recovers well, but four-lined plant bugs can make foliage unsightly by midsummer.

Round, sunken brown spots on leaves in May–June; can look like disease but is insect feeding damage Insecticidal soap or pyrethrin when nymphs appear (May); neem oil; tolerate on established plants — damage is cosmetic and bugs complete their cycle by July

Sticky, distorted shoot tips; colonies in spring on young foliage Water jet; insecticidal soap; ladybirds and lacewings provide good natural control

Pale, winding trails inside leaves; minor cosmetic damage Remove affected leaves; insecticidal soil drench in spring if severe; encourage parasitic wasps

Bark gnawed at base; girdled young stems may die back Wire tree guards on new plants; rabbit-repellent sprays; protect base in winter