What's eating my lonicera caprifolium?

Italian honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium) is susceptible to the same honeysuckle aphid that plagues its European relatives, causing classic shoot-tip curl in spring. Sawfly larvae graze leaves in early summer. In gardens, deer and rabbits browse young stems. The plant is vigorous and usually recovers from moderate damage once pests are controlled.

Crowded colonies inside tightly curled shoot tips; new growth stunted and sticky; sooty mould follows honeydew. Pinch out and dispose of affected tips at first sign; spray remaining aphids with insecticidal soap or neem oil; monitor fortnightly through summer.

Pale larvae eat leaf tissue between veins, leaving a skeletonised, papery appearance by midsummer. Hand-pick larvae from undersides of leaves; apply pyrethrin spray; clear fallen leaves in autumn to disrupt the pupal overwintering stage.

Clean gnawing at stem bases, especially on plants grown at ground level; bark removal can ring-bark and kill stems. Place spiral guards or wire mesh around the base; apply repellent paste to lower stems; train the main stem up quickly to get it out of reach.