What's eating my chinese astilbe 'visions'?

Chinese Astilbe 'Visions' is a tough, largely pest-free perennial. Black vine weevil is the main threat — larvae eat roots while adults notch leaves. Asiatic garden beetle may also target the foliage in midsummer. Aphids and spider mites are minor secondary pests in hot, dry conditions.

Adults leave angular notches along leaf margins at night; larvae burrow into and consume roots, causing wilting and plant death in severe infestations. Drench soil with beneficial nematodes in late summer; apply imidacloprid as an early-season soil drench for season-long systemic control.

Adults skeletonize foliage from late June through July; white grub larvae attack roots in soil. Hand-pick adults after dark; use milky spore or beneficial nematodes for grub control; pyrethrin sprays reduce adult numbers quickly.

Tiny mites cause yellow stippling on leaves, particularly in hot, dry weather; fine webbing may appear on undersides of foliage. Spray forcefully with water to dislodge mites; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil in the evening; keep plants well-watered to reduce heat stress.