What's eating my korean spice viburnum?

Korean Spice Viburnum is susceptible to viburnum leaf beetle, which can strip foliage and weaken the shrub over successive years. Viburnum aphids tightly curl new leaves in spring. Deer readily browse the fragrant foliage. Black vine weevil damages roots and notches leaves in UK gardens. Pruning out beetle egg-laying stems in winter prevents the worst spring damage.

Leaves skeletonized by larvae in spring; adult beetles chew irregular holes in summer; severe repeat attacks cause dieback Prune and destroy egg-containing stem tips (look for bark pits in a line) from autumn to bud break. Spray larvae with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin in late April–May before they drop into soil.

Tightly curled, puckered shoot tips in spring; yellow-green or black aphids inside curled leaves Break open curled growth and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Repeat after 7 days. Natural predators (lacewings, ladybirds) help suppress colonies.

Leaves and fragrant flower clusters browsed; stems damaged; young plants particularly vulnerable in winter Apply scent repellent (Bobbex or Deer Out) monthly and after rain. Use wire cages around young shrubs in the first 2–3 years.

Scalloped notches on leaf margins (adult feeding at night); larvae in root zone cause wilting and collapse Apply beneficial nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist soil in late summer. Avoid waterlogged soil, which stresses plants and makes them more susceptible.