Growli

Pest identification

What's eating my spiraea nipponica 'snowmound'?

Spiraea aphid (Aphis spiraecola)

Signs: Pale green colonies massed on shoot tips; sticky honeydew residue; distorted and curled new leaves

Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; prune infested shoot tips; encourage ladybirds and lacewings

Spiraea leaf roller caterpillar

Signs: Leaves rolled and webbed together; caterpillar feeding inside causes browned, ragged foliage

Control: Hand-pick and destroy rolled leaves; apply Bt spray at caterpillar stage; remove old foliage debris in autumn

Japanese beetle

Signs: Skeletonized leaves with intact veins; adults feed in groups on upper foliage in July–August

Control: Hand-pick in early morning; apply neem oil as deterrent spray; treat surrounding soil/lawn with milky spore

Keep spiraea nipponica 'snowmound' pest-free

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Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' pests — FAQ

What is eating my spiraea nipponica 'snowmound'?

Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' is primarily attacked by spiraea aphids clustering on new shoots in spring. Leaf roller caterpillars may web foliage, and Japanese beetles skeletonize leaves in summer. This cultivar's vigorous, dense habit means slug and snail damage to new growth can occur at the base in wet conditions.

How do I get rid of spiraea aphid (aphis spiraecola) on spiraea nipponica 'snowmound'?

Pale green colonies massed on shoot tips; sticky honeydew residue; distorted and curled new leaves Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; prune infested shoot tips; encourage ladybirds and lacewings

How do I get rid of spiraea leaf roller caterpillar on spiraea nipponica 'snowmound'?

Leaves rolled and webbed together; caterpillar feeding inside causes browned, ragged foliage Hand-pick and destroy rolled leaves; apply Bt spray at caterpillar stage; remove old foliage debris in autumn

How do I get rid of japanese beetle on spiraea nipponica 'snowmound'?

Skeletonized leaves with intact veins; adults feed in groups on upper foliage in July–August Hand-pick in early morning; apply neem oil as deterrent spray; treat surrounding soil/lawn with milky spore