Pest identification
What's eating my redvein enkianthus?
Vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus)
Signs: Adults cut distinctive U-shaped notches around leaf margins; larvae eat roots causing sudden wilting
Control: Apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to soil in late summer; use vine weevil traps for adults; check container compost for C-shaped white grubs
Lace bugs (Stephanitis species)
Signs: Pale, bleached stippling on upper leaf surface; brown excrement spots on undersides
Control: Spray undersides with insecticidal soap or neem oil; place plants in shadier positions to reduce stress
Spider mites
Signs: Fine pale mottling on foliage; fine webbing on undersides during dry spells
Control: Mist foliage; apply miticide or insecticidal soap to undersides; avoid dry, hot, sheltered microclimates
Keep redvein enkianthus pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Redvein enkianthus pests — FAQ
What is eating my redvein enkianthus?
Redvein enkianthus, an acid-loving shrub related to rhododendrons, shares many of the same pests. Vine weevil larvae damage roots, while adult weevils notch leaf margins. Lace bugs and spider mites can disfigure foliage in hot summers. Slugs attack soft new growth at the base in spring.
How do I get rid of vine weevil (otiorhynchus sulcatus) on redvein enkianthus?
Adults cut distinctive U-shaped notches around leaf margins; larvae eat roots causing sudden wilting Apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to soil in late summer; use vine weevil traps for adults; check container compost for C-shaped white grubs
How do I get rid of lace bugs (stephanitis species) on redvein enkianthus?
Pale, bleached stippling on upper leaf surface; brown excrement spots on undersides Spray undersides with insecticidal soap or neem oil; place plants in shadier positions to reduce stress
How do I get rid of spider mites on redvein enkianthus?
Fine pale mottling on foliage; fine webbing on undersides during dry spells Mist foliage; apply miticide or insecticidal soap to undersides; avoid dry, hot, sheltered microclimates