Will these pests kill my Burning bush?

Usually not, but they can weaken the plant significantly. Treating them early prevents long term damage.

Can I use dish soap to kill the scale?

A mild insecticidal soap is safer for the plant than standard dish soap. Always test a small area before spraying the whole bush.

Why does my Burning bush have pests? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the stems for small, raised brown bumps.
Look for white, powdery patches on the leaf surfaces.
Check if the leaves look yellow or stunted.

Likely causes

Scale Insects
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small, brown, bump like growths on the stems or undersides of leaves. These insects suck sap and cause yellowing or stunted growth.
What to do: Scrape off light infestations with a soft brush or fingernail. For larger issues, apply horticultural oil or neem oil spray to the affected areas every 7 to 10 days until they are gone.
Powdery Mildew
Most likely
How to tell: This fungal issue looks like a white, dusty coating on the surface of the leaves. It usually happens when there is poor air circulation or high humidity.
What to do: Prune back crowded branches to improve airflow through the center of the bush. Apply a fungicide labeled for powdery mildew if the infection covers more than 20 percent of the foliage.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your burning bush

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Worry if you see the shrub losing vigor or if the pests are spreading to every branch. It is normal to see a few insects occasionally, but a heavy infestation requires immediate action.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the shrub healthy with proper watering and prune annually to ensure good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering which can encourage fungal growth.

Burning bush: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your burning bush and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will these pests kill my Burning bush?: Usually not, but they can weaken the plant significantly. Treating them early prevents long term damage.
Can I use dish soap to kill the scale?: A mild insecticidal soap is safer for the plant than standard dish soap. Always test a small area before spraying the whole bush.

Why does my Burning bush have pests?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your burning bush?

Likely causes

Scale Insects

Powdery Mildew

Find out what's wrong with your burning bush

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Burning bush: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Burning bush