What's eating my trachelospermum asiaticum?

Asian star jasmine is generally robust but scale insects are its most persistent foe, particularly on older wood. Aphids colonise soft new growth and spider mites flare in hot summers. Outdoors, slugs and snails can strip young shoots at the base in damp conditions, especially in spring.

Rounded brown shells coat stems and branch joints; heavy infestations cause dieback; honeydew deposits attract sooty mould Prune and destroy heavily infested stems; scrub off scales with a stiff brush and soapy water; apply horticultural oil in late spring when crawlers are active

Soft new growth becomes distorted and sticky; flower buds may fail to open; sooty mould obscures attractive foliage Knock off with a water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators such as ladybirds and lacewing larvae

Pale speckling on upper leaf surfaces with fine webbing below; leaves yellow and drop during prolonged hot, dry spells Improve humidity, avoid overhead drought stress; spray forcefully with water; use neem oil or a registered acaricide if infestation is severe