What's eating my fothergilla 'mount airy'?

Fothergilla 'Mount Airy' shares the pest-resistant character of the species but Japanese beetles can skeletonize its attractive foliage in eastern US summers. Aphids occasionally colonize soft spring growth. As a native shrub, beneficial insect communities usually keep pest pressure manageable — intervention is only needed when populations are heavy.

Leaves skeletonized to a lacy framework; feeding heaviest on the outer, sunlit canopy in July–August. Hand-pick into soapy water; treat with neem oil or spinosad if infestation is heavy. Avoid pheromone traps near the planting.

Clusters on emerging spring shoots; minor distortion and sticky honeydew. Strong water spray dislodges most colonies; apply insecticidal soap if the plant is visibly stressed. Natural predators usually keep them in check.