What's eating my doublefile viburnum 'mariesii'?

Doublefile Viburnum 'Mariesii' is most commonly damaged by viburnum leaf beetle, which can completely defoliate the plant. Aphids — particularly the viburnum aphid — cluster on new growth, and deer browse foliage and young stems, especially in winter. Check stems and leaf undersides in spring for egg-laying sites, as early intervention is far more effective than treating later instars.

Larvae skeletonize leaves from below in spring; adults chew irregular holes through leaves in summer; repeated years can kill the plant Inspect bare stems in autumn and winter for egg-laying pits; prune and destroy affected stems. In spring, apply insecticidal soap or pyrethrin to larvae before they drop into soil to pupate.

Tightly curled, distorted leaves at shoot tips in spring; sticky honeydew; black sooty mold Firmly uncurl affected shoots and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds that promote soft aphid-attracting growth.

Shoot tips and leaves browsed; stems stripped of bark; most damaging in autumn and winter Apply repellent sprays regularly and use wire guards on young plants. Viburnum plicatum is a preferred deer browse species — physical exclusion works best.

Silver streaks or flecking on flower petals and young leaves; distorted buds Remove and dispose of affected flowers. Apply spinosad or insecticidal soap early in flowering when thrips numbers are low.