What's eating my double pink oleander?

Double Pink Oleander (Nerium oleander 'Mrs. Roeding') is most seriously threatened by the oleander caterpillar — a bright orange larva that skeletonizes leaves in groups. Oleander aphids and scale insects are also common. The plant's toxic sap deters many pests but does not protect against these specialists. Early removal of caterpillar-infested shoots is the first line of defense.

Bright orange caterpillars with black tufts skeletonize leaves, eating tissue between veins; gregarious feeding can strip entire branches rapidly. Hand-pick infested shoots into a sealed bag; for larger infestations spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) which kills caterpillars without harming beneficial insects.

Dense colonies of bright yellow aphids cluster on soft new shoots and flower buds, causing curled, distorted growth and honeydew residue. Knock off with a firm water jet; treat persistent colonies with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage ladybirds and lacewings as natural predators.

Small brownish waxy shields on stems and older foliage; repeated infestations weaken the shrub and open it to secondary fungal problems. Apply horticultural oil spray in late winter before crawlers hatch; follow up with neem oil through the season. Scrape heavy infestations manually first.