Pest identification
What's eating my spiraea betulifolia 'tor'?
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on soft shoot tips in spring cause leaf curl, stunted growth, and sticky honeydew deposits.
Control: Jet of water to dislodge; insecticidal soap spray; attract or release ladybirds and lacewings as natural predators.
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, silvery-bronze leaf surfaces with fine webbing; worse in prolonged dry heat; leaves may drop prematurely.
Control: Regular watering during drought; spray undersides of leaves with water; insecticidal soap if colonies are large.
Leafroller caterpillars
Signs: Leaf tips tightly rolled and webbed together; caterpillar feeds concealed inside; minor cosmetic damage to new growth.
Control: Prune and discard affected shoot tips before larvae mature; Bt spray if widespread; rarely warrants chemical control.
Keep spiraea betulifolia 'tor' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor' pests — FAQ
What is eating my spiraea betulifolia 'tor'?
Birchleaf spirea 'Tor' has excellent pest resistance. Aphids occasionally target new spring growth, and spider mites may appear during hot, dry summer spells causing bronzed foliage. Leafroller caterpillars are an occasional nuisance. Overall one of the most carefree spireas; healthy plants in the right site rarely need intervention.
How do I get rid of aphids on spiraea betulifolia 'tor'?
Colonies on soft shoot tips in spring cause leaf curl, stunted growth, and sticky honeydew deposits. Jet of water to dislodge; insecticidal soap spray; attract or release ladybirds and lacewings as natural predators.
How do I get rid of spider mites on spiraea betulifolia 'tor'?
Stippled, silvery-bronze leaf surfaces with fine webbing; worse in prolonged dry heat; leaves may drop prematurely. Regular watering during drought; spray undersides of leaves with water; insecticidal soap if colonies are large.
How do I get rid of leafroller caterpillars on spiraea betulifolia 'tor'?
Leaf tips tightly rolled and webbed together; caterpillar feeds concealed inside; minor cosmetic damage to new growth. Prune and discard affected shoot tips before larvae mature; Bt spray if widespread; rarely warrants chemical control.