Pest identification
What's eating my butterfly bush 'pink delight'?
Spider mites
Signs: Silvery-grey stippled leaves; fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves drop early in severe cases
Control: Increase humidity by watering soil well and misting in dry spells; insecticidal soap; predatory mites
Mullein moth caterpillar (Cucullia verbasci) — UK
Signs: Conspicuous spotted caterpillars devour foliage and flower buds from May through July
Control: Regular inspection and hand-picking; Bt biological spray
Figwort weevil
Signs: Notched leaf edges; grub-like larvae feeding on undersides
Control: Remove by hand; pyrethrin if extensive
Keep butterfly bush 'pink delight' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats butterfly bush — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common butterfly bush 'pink delight' problems & fixes
- Butterfly Bush 'Pink Delight' watering schedule
- Butterfly Bush 'Pink Delight' light requirements
- Full butterfly bush 'pink delight' care guide
Butterfly Bush 'Pink Delight' pests — FAQ
What is eating my butterfly bush 'pink delight'?
Butterfly Bush 'Pink Delight' shares pest risks with all Buddleja davidii cultivars: spider mites in dry summers, mullein moth caterpillars (UK especially), and figwort weevils nibbling leaf edges. The shrub's vigour usually compensates for cosmetic damage. Good air circulation and avoiding water stress keep mites in check.
How do I get rid of spider mites on butterfly bush 'pink delight'?
Silvery-grey stippled leaves; fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves drop early in severe cases Increase humidity by watering soil well and misting in dry spells; insecticidal soap; predatory mites
How do I get rid of mullein moth caterpillar (cucullia verbasci) — uk on butterfly bush 'pink delight'?
Conspicuous spotted caterpillars devour foliage and flower buds from May through July Regular inspection and hand-picking; Bt biological spray
How do I get rid of figwort weevil on butterfly bush 'pink delight'?
Notched leaf edges; grub-like larvae feeding on undersides Remove by hand; pyrethrin if extensive