What's eating my japanese pieris 'forest flame'?

Pieris 'Forest Flame' is even more prone to Pieris lacebug than plain Pieris japonica because it is often planted in sunny, sheltered spots where lacebug thrives. The hallmark damage is complete bleaching of the upper leaf surface. Vine weevil root damage is a serious secondary threat, especially in container growing.

Whole upper leaf surface becomes a washed-out silvery grey from hundreds of tiny feeding punctures; black tarry excrement on the leaf underside confirms the pest. Site in dappled shade rather than full sun. Spray the underside of all affected leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil in May and again in July–August. A soil-applied systemic can protect throughout the season.

C-shaped white larvae destroy the fibrous root system; the first visible sign is sudden yellowing and collapse of the shrub. Drench with Steinernema kraussei nematodes in late summer. Check container compost for larvae in autumn and remove them by hand.

Clusters on the showy new red shoot tips in spring, causing distortion of young leaves and sticky honeydew. Spray with insecticidal soap or a strong water blast. Natural predators usually bring colonies under control quickly if encouraged.