Leaf damage on Viburnum tinus

Viburnum beetle

Viburnum tinus and Viburnum opulus are susceptible to damage from the Viburnum beetle.

Symptoms

What causes holes in the leaves of Viburnum tinus and Viburnum opulus. Most of the leaf damage is caused by the beige-coloured larvae of the viburnum beetle.

They feed on the leaves of the plants from late spring to early summer. Later in the season (August-September) greyish-brown adult beetles will also feed on the leaves of Viburnum tinus and Viburnum opulus.

Healthy leaves of Viburnum tinus            Holes in the leaves of Viburnum tinus

Organic control

Keep in mind that adult beetles lay eggs in late summer. The eggs will overwinter on the plants. Look out for newly hatched larvae on new growth in early spring.

Remove the larvae by hand. Alternatively, spray with pyrethrum, a natural insecticide, to control the adult beetles and larvae.