What's eating my hoogendorn holly?

Hoogendorn Holly, a low-spreading Japanese holly, is vulnerable to holly leafminer, southern red mites, and scale insects like its relatives. Its dense, low habit can also harbor slugs and snails that damage new growth at ground level. Deer will browse plants in suburban and rural gardens when food is limited.

Internal blotch mines in leaves turning yellow-brown by summer; repeated attacks weaken the plant Apply imidacloprid as a soil drench in early spring; remove and destroy mined leaves to reduce next year's population

Bronze, dull upper leaf surface with fine stippling; most visible in cool spring and fall weather Horticultural oil spray in early spring; avoid overhead irrigation which can splash and spread mites

Irregular holes in new, soft foliage near ground level; slime trails visible in morning Apply iron phosphate bait around plants; remove debris and dense mulch where slugs shelter; hand-pick at night

Torn, ragged browsing on foliage and shoots, especially autumn through spring Use deer repellent sprays containing putrescent egg or garlic oil; physical fencing is the most reliable long-term solution