What's eating my spiraea 'gold flame'?

Spiraea 'Gold Flame' is most commonly attacked by aphids, which flock to its colourful new growth. Spiraea aphid and spiraea leaf roller caterpillars are the primary pests. Japanese beetles can skeletonize foliage, and powdery mildew-stressed plants may also attract spider mites in summer heat.

Dense colonies on shoot tips and undersides of young leaves; curled, stunted growth; sticky honeydew and sooty mould Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural enemies; prune out heavily infested shoot tips in early season

Leaves rolled and tied with silk webbing; feeding caterpillars inside cause brown, ragged foliage Hand-remove rolled leaves; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray during larval stage; encourage parasitic wasps

Skeletonized leaves, especially on upper canopy; bronze-coloured adult beetles visible in July–August Hand-pick in early morning; use neem oil spray as deterrent; apply milky spore to surrounding lawn

Fine pale speckling on leaves, webbing on undersides, foliage turning yellow-bronze in hot dry weather Spray with water to dislodge; apply neem oil or horticultural oil; avoid overhead drought stress