What's eating my star jasmine?

Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is usually tough outdoors but attracts aphids on spring growth, spider mites during summer drought stress, and scale on mature woody stems. Mealybugs appear less frequently. Keeping the plant well-watered prevents the drought stress that invites spider mites — the most damaging pest under hot, dry conditions. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil at first sign.

Dense clusters on shoot tips and flower buds in spring; curled leaves; sticky honeydew and sooty mould Blast off with a strong hose jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 7–10 days

Tiny stippled dots on upper leaf surfaces; fine webbing below — explosively worse when plant is drought-stressed Water consistently to reduce stress; spray all leaf surfaces with neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat weekly

Hard brown shells glued to woody stems and leaf undersides; honeydew; sooty mould; slow decline Scrub stems with soft brush and horticultural oil; treat crawlers with insecticidal soap; repeat in 2–3 weeks