What's eating my skimmia japonica kew white?

Like all Skimmia japonica cultivars, 'Kew White' is most vulnerable to spider mites in warm, dry spells and vine weevil when grown in pots. The mites cause bronze leaf stippling; weevil grubs silently destroy roots. Scale insects are an occasional secondary issue. Good cultural practices — adequate moisture, shade — reduce spider mite risk significantly.

Pale, stippled or bronzed leaves, worst in hot and dry conditions; fine webbing visible on undersides. Raise humidity around the plant; introduce predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis). Use acaricides only if biological control is not feasible.

Irregular notching on leaf margins from adults; root destruction by grubs causes wilting and collapse, primarily in container-grown plants. Apply pathogenic nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist soil in late summer. Check containers for grubs when repotting.

Encrustation of stems with brown or white scales, weakening growth and producing honeydew that fosters sooty mold. Remove light infestations physically; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap when crawlers are active in spring.