What's eating my sarcococca confusa?

Sarcococca confusa is exceptionally trouble-free and rarely affected by pests in normal garden conditions. Slugs and snails can damage young new growth in wet springs. Aphids or scale may occasionally colonise stems. Deer and rabbits largely avoid it due to its leathery foliage. It is considered one of the most resilient low-maintenance evergreen shrubs.

Holes and torn edges on newly emerging leaves in spring; silvery slime trails present on stems and surrounding soil. Apply iron phosphate bait around the base; remove mulch where slugs shelter; encourage natural predators.

Clusters of waxy bumps on stems sap plant vigour; sticky honeydew and sooty mold follow. Treat with horticultural oil spray at crawler emergence; prune heavily infested stems and dispose of them.

Small colonies on new shoot tips cause mild leaf distortion and honeydew deposits. Dislodge with water jets; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent colonies.