Pest identification
What's eating my red escallonia?
Aphids
Signs: Sticky honeydew on shoot tips; curled or yellowed young leaves; sooty mold
Control: Strong water jet to dislodge colonies; insecticidal soap spray; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
Scale insects
Signs: Waxy brown or white scales on stems; weakened branches; yellowing leaves
Control: Prune and destroy affected stems; apply horticultural oil in late winter or midsummer
Leafhoppers
Signs: Pale speckling across upper leaf surface; tiny white cast skins visible on undersides
Control: Insecticidal soap on undersides; tolerate low-level infestations as damage is cosmetic
Keep red escallonia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Red escallonia pests — FAQ
What is eating my red escallonia?
Red escallonia is a tough hedge and coastal shrub but can be troubled by aphids on new growth and scale insects on older wood. Leafhoppers cause pale stippling on leaves in summer. In gardens where deer are present, young plants may be browsed. Overall pest pressure is light compared to many flowering shrubs.
How do I get rid of aphids on red escallonia?
Sticky honeydew on shoot tips; curled or yellowed young leaves; sooty mold Strong water jet to dislodge colonies; insecticidal soap spray; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
How do I get rid of scale insects on red escallonia?
Waxy brown or white scales on stems; weakened branches; yellowing leaves Prune and destroy affected stems; apply horticultural oil in late winter or midsummer
How do I get rid of leafhoppers on red escallonia?
Pale speckling across upper leaf surface; tiny white cast skins visible on undersides Insecticidal soap on undersides; tolerate low-level infestations as damage is cosmetic