Pest identification
What's eating my smokebush 'royal purple'?
Aphids
Signs: Curling, sticky shoot tips in spring; colonies on undersides of new leaves
Control: Blast with water; insecticidal soap; attract ladybirds with companion planting
San Jose scale / Cottony cushion scale
Signs: White or brown waxy encrustations on stems; yellowing foliage; weakened growth
Control: Horticultural oil spray in late winter; rubbing alcohol on isolated patches; prune affected stems
Powdery mildew (fungal — stress-related)
Signs: White powdery coating on leaves in dry summers; cosmetic but signals drought stress
Control: Water consistently at root level; improve air circulation; sulphur-based or potassium bicarbonate fungicide
Keep smokebush 'royal purple' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Smokebush 'Royal Purple' pests — FAQ
What is eating my smokebush 'royal purple'?
Smokebush 'Royal Purple' is largely pest-resistant, but aphids colonise soft new growth in spring and verticillium wilt is a hidden killer via the soil. Powdery mildew hits stressed plants in dry summers. Cottony cushion scale occasionally infests branches. Deer seldom bother it, making it a low-maintenance shrub overall.
How do I get rid of aphids on smokebush 'royal purple'?
Curling, sticky shoot tips in spring; colonies on undersides of new leaves Blast with water; insecticidal soap; attract ladybirds with companion planting
How do I get rid of san jose scale / cottony cushion scale on smokebush 'royal purple'?
White or brown waxy encrustations on stems; yellowing foliage; weakened growth Horticultural oil spray in late winter; rubbing alcohol on isolated patches; prune affected stems
How do I get rid of powdery mildew (fungal — stress-related) on smokebush 'royal purple'?
White powdery coating on leaves in dry summers; cosmetic but signals drought stress Water consistently at root level; improve air circulation; sulphur-based or potassium bicarbonate fungicide