What's eating my weigela 'bristol ruby'?

Weigela 'Bristol Ruby' is mainly troubled by aphids clustering on soft shoot tips, and by vine weevil grubs attacking roots. Capsid bugs can also distort young leaves. Outdoors in UK/US gardens, deer may browse young stems. Aphids are the most frequent pest but rarely cause lasting damage on established plants.

Clusters of small insects on new shoot tips cause curled, distorted leaves and sticky honeydew that attracts sooty mould. Blast off with a strong jet of water; encourage ladybirds and lacewings. Use insecticidal soap spray for heavy infestations.

Adults notch leaf edges; C-shaped white grubs in soil eat roots, causing sudden wilting. Apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist soil in late summer. Use vine weevil compost drench (imidacloprid or thiacloprid) in containers.

Young leaves develop scattered ragged holes and distorted growth as sap is extracted. Remove debris where adults overwinter. Use pyrethrin-based contact spray in late spring when bugs are active.

Stems and flower buds browsed, especially on young plants in spring. Use physical barrier fencing or deer-repellent sprays; plant among less palatable shrubs as a deterrent.