Pest identification
What's eating my white double camellia?
Tea scale (Fiorinia theae)
Signs: White waxy scales on leaf undersides causing yellowing and reduced vigour
Control: Apply horticultural oil or neem oil when crawlers emerge in spring; repeat fortnightly for 6 weeks
Vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus)
Signs: Irregular notching of leaf margins by adults at night; grubs sever roots causing sudden wilt
Control: Drench soil with Steinernema kraussei nematodes in late summer; collect adults by torchlight at night
Aphids
Signs: Clustered on soft new shoots; sticky honeydew promotes black sooty mould
Control: Strong water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap spray; attract aphid predators by planting nectar plants nearby
Keep white double camellia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
white double camellia pests — FAQ
What is eating my white double camellia?
White double camellia (Alba Plena) is susceptible to tea scale on leaf undersides, vine weevil root damage, and aphids on new growth. The pure white blooms also attract camellia bud moth. Check leaf backs regularly and apply horticultural oil for scale at the crawler stage.
How do I get rid of tea scale (fiorinia theae) on white double camellia?
White waxy scales on leaf undersides causing yellowing and reduced vigour Apply horticultural oil or neem oil when crawlers emerge in spring; repeat fortnightly for 6 weeks
How do I get rid of vine weevil (otiorhynchus sulcatus) on white double camellia?
Irregular notching of leaf margins by adults at night; grubs sever roots causing sudden wilt Drench soil with Steinernema kraussei nematodes in late summer; collect adults by torchlight at night
How do I get rid of aphids on white double camellia?
Clustered on soft new shoots; sticky honeydew promotes black sooty mould Strong water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap spray; attract aphid predators by planting nectar plants nearby