Pest identification
What's eating my deutzia 'nikko'?
Aphids
Signs: Sticky, curled new shoot tips in spring; slow growth; sooty mould on foliage
Control: Water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap; plant nearby umbellifers to attract ladybirds
Scale insects
Signs: Small waxy brown bumps encrusting stems; yellowing leaves; sticky honeydew
Control: Prune out heavily infested stems; horticultural oil spray in late winter; rub off with alcohol on cotton wool
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, dull grey-green leaves; fine webbing in dry conditions
Control: Raise humidity with regular watering; insecticidal soap; predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis)
Keep deutzia 'nikko' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats deutzia gracilis — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What eats deutzia 'nikko' — our other guide for the same plant
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common deutzia 'nikko' problems & fixes
- Deutzia 'Nikko' watering schedule
- Deutzia 'Nikko' light requirements
- Full deutzia 'nikko' care guide
Deutzia 'Nikko' pests — FAQ
What is eating my deutzia 'nikko'?
Deutzia 'Nikko' is a compact, low-maintenance shrub with few serious pest problems. Aphids appear on new growth in spring, and scale insects can build up on crowded stems. Spider mites may attack during prolonged dry spells. Good pruning after flowering to open up the canopy prevents the conditions most pests favour.
How do I get rid of aphids on deutzia 'nikko'?
Sticky, curled new shoot tips in spring; slow growth; sooty mould on foliage Water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap; plant nearby umbellifers to attract ladybirds
How do I get rid of scale insects on deutzia 'nikko'?
Small waxy brown bumps encrusting stems; yellowing leaves; sticky honeydew Prune out heavily infested stems; horticultural oil spray in late winter; rub off with alcohol on cotton wool
How do I get rid of spider mites on deutzia 'nikko'?
Stippled, dull grey-green leaves; fine webbing in dry conditions Raise humidity with regular watering; insecticidal soap; predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis)