Will aphids kill my Spirea?

Usually no, but they can weaken the plant and make it look messy. Severe infestations can stunt growth and cause leaves to drop early.

Can I just wash them off?

Yes, a sharp spray of water is often enough to control a small population. Do this early in the morning so the leaves have time to dry out.

Why are there bugs on my Japanese Spirea? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the newest leaves for tiny clusters of insects.
Check for sticky residue on the foliage.
Look for ants traveling along the branches.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the undersides of leaves or near the tips of new stems. The leaves might look curled or sticky from the honeydew they leave behind.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water from your garden hose to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil directly to the affected areas every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Ant farming
Possible
How to tell: You notice ants crawling up and down the stems of your shrub. Ants often protect aphids to feed on the sweet honeydew they produce.
What to do: Focus on clearing the aphids first, as the ants will leave once their food source is gone. You can also place a sticky barrier around the base of the plant to stop ants from climbing.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your japanese meadowsweet

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

A few aphids are normal, but you should act if the plant looks stunted or the leaves are curling severely. If the infestation covers the entire shrub, it is time to treat it immediately.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with proper watering and sunlight to help it resist pests. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which encourages the soft growth that aphids love.

Japanese meadowsweet: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your japanese meadowsweet 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.

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Questions people ask

Will aphids kill my Spirea?: Usually no, but they can weaken the plant and make it look messy. Severe infestations can stunt growth and cause leaves to drop early.
Can I just wash them off?: Yes, a sharp spray of water is often enough to control a small population. Do this early in the morning so the leaves have time to dry out.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are there bugs on my Japanese Spirea?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your japanese meadowsweet?