Arrowwood viburnum shrubs are popular flowering plants that add beauty and interest to gardens and landscapes. However, like all plants, they can sometimes be affected by pest insects that feed on their foliage and sap. If you notice small bugs crawling on the leaves of your arrowwood viburnum, you may be wondering what they are and how to control them. In this article, we’ll identify some common viburnum pests and provide tips for managing them organically so your shrubs stay healthy
Aphids
One of the most prevalent pests on viburnums are aphids – soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects that come in colors like green, yellow, black, or pink They feed by sucking sap from the youngest leaves and shoots Aphids were mentioned 3 times across the 3 URLs. An infestation is evident if you see
- Curled, wrinkled, or distorted leaves
- Sticky honeydew residue on foliage
- Presence of ants, which farm aphids for their sweet honeydew
- Clusters of aphids on stems and the undersides of leaves
To control aphids, knock them off with a strong spray of water. In severe cases, use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays. Ladybugs also feed on aphids, so attract them to your garden.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests, smaller than the head of a pin. They form colonies and spin fine webs on the undersides of leaves where they feed. Spider mites were mentioned 2 times across the 3 URLs. Look for:
- Yellow stippling or speckling on leaves
- Fine webbing covering leaves and shoots
- Leaves turning bronze or gray and dropping
Use a strong jet of water to dislodge colonies. Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oils. Introduce predatory mites which will feed on spider mites.
Viburnum Leaf Beetle
This is a major pest of arrowwood viburnums. The adult leaf beetles and larvae skeletonize leaves, sometimes defoliating entire branches. Viburnum leaf beetle was mentioned 14 times across the 3 URLs. Signs include:
- Skeletonized leaves with just the veins remaining
- Presence of small green larvae or iridescent green beetles
- Heavy defoliation of shoots and dieback
Handpick adults and larvae, Apply organic sprays with spinosad or neem oil in early spring Remove and destroy egg-infested twigs
Scale Insects
These small sap-sucking bugs attach themselves to stems and the undersides of leaves. They appear as bumps on bark and foliage. Scale insects were mentioned 3 times across the 3 URLs. Look for:
- Poor growth and yellowing leaves
- Sticky honeydew on leaves
- Presence of brown, white or black scale covers
Prune out heavily infested stems. Use horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps to suffocate scales.
Other Pests
Thrips, mites, weevils, borers, and beetles may also affect arrowwood viburnum. Monitor shrubs frequently and take prompt action at first signs of an infestation. Remove seriously damaged stems. Apply organic sprays as needed. Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites which will feed on pests.
With close observation and timely treatment, you can keep arrowwood viburnums looking healthy and lush despite occasional pest problems. Focus on organic solutions like horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, and natural predators so you can avoid harsh synthetic pesticides. Your viburnums and beneficial garden insects will thank you!
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FAQ
How do you get rid of aphids on viburnum?
What are the little black bugs on my viburnum?
How do you control insects in viburnum?
How do you get rid of viburnum leaf beetles?
Are arrowwood viburnum shrubs poisonous?
Arrowwood viburnum shrubs don’t have serious issues with most pests or diseases. However, they might be bothered by the viburnum leaf beetle ( Pyrrhalta viburni ). This beetle has become a major problem for viburnum shrubs in Europe and North America. Both the adult beetles and their larvae eat the leaves of the bushes.
What do fungal spots on Viburnum look like?
These fungal leaf spots on viburnum typically are angular to irregular-shaped, and the leaf tissue in the spots is sunken and dry. Spots may begin small but enlarge or merge and may be reddish to grayish brown. Fungal leaf spots typically occur during warm, moist summer months and initially will occur on older foliage.
Can viburnum leaf beetle cause intensive defoliation?
In early June 2019, one client arriving with a sample of holey leaves and live viburnum leaf beetle larvae, said the larvae had “devoured all the leaves on my [arrowwood] viburnum last spring and are doing it again this year.” This is a good example of the intensive defoliation that can be caused by viburnum leaf beetle (VLB).
What are the most common viburnum pests?
Here are some of the most common viburnum pests and methods for viburnum pest control. Aphids – While they don’t cause much damage, aphids can cause curling in new growth. They can be gotten rid of with a steady stream of water from the hose, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil.