What's eating my japanese holly 'sky pencil'?

Japanese Holly 'Sky Pencil' grown as a container or indoor topiary is susceptible to holly leafminer and spider mites, plus scale insects on stems. Outdoors it is also vulnerable to deer browsing. As a Ilex crenata cultivar it is generally more pest-resistant than Buxus but leafminer and scale remain the most common recurring problems.

Pale winding trails or blotches inside small leaves; heavy infestations cause early leaf drop and poor appearance. Remove mined foliage promptly; apply systemic insecticide drench in spring; avoid dense overhead watering that stresses plants.

Hard or soft bumps on stems and twigs; foliage yellows and vigor declines; honeydew attracts ants. Scrub off with soft brush; apply horticultural oil in late winter; insecticidal soap during active crawler stage.

Stippled, dull leaves with fine webbing; worst in hot, dry conditions or under container stress. Mist foliage regularly; apply horticultural oil or miticide; keep containers well watered to reduce plant stress.