What's eating my flaky juniper?

Flaky Juniper (Juniperus squamata), popular in rockeries and alpine gardens, is most commonly affected by spider mites, which thrive in its dense, dry foliage. Juniper scale and aphids occur on stressed plants. In garden settings, vine weevil larvae can damage roots of container-grown specimens. Deer browse low-growing forms in winter.

Foliage becomes bronze-grey and dusty-looking; fine webbing visible between needles; most severe in hot, dry summers, especially on south-facing slopes. Spray foliage thoroughly with water in dry spells; apply neem oil or miticide covering all surfaces; ensure adequate irrigation to reduce plant stress.

White crusty scales on stems and foliage; shoots yellow and die back in expanding patches; worst on weakened or drought-stressed plants. Apply dormant horticultural oil before growth starts; use systemic insecticide for persistent scale; remove and dispose of heavily infested branches.

Dark aphid clusters on young growth; sticky honeydew attracts ants and promotes sooty mould; tips may wilt. Blast off with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; reduce ant activity (sticky trunk bands) to disrupt aphid protection.

Grubs eat roots leading to sudden wilting and collapse of container specimens; adults notch leaf margins but root damage is more serious. Apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to container compost in autumn; use vine weevil-specific compost treatments; inspect roots of wilting plants immediately.