What Causes Notches Around Green Spire Leaves?

Why do Green Spire leaves have notches around the edges?

Adult vine weevils feed at night and leave irregular notches around leaf margins. Evergreen Euonymus is a recognised host, so this pattern is a strong clue when Green Spire leaves otherwise look healthy.

The damaged leaves can look untidy, but the adults are not normally the most serious stage of the pest.

Why are vine weevil larvae more important?

The larvae live in the growing medium or soil and feed on roots. Container plants are particularly vulnerable because the larvae are concentrated in a relatively small root zone.

A Green Spire in a pot that starts to wilt, loosen in the compost or decline even though the compost is moist deserves a root check. Carefully slide the plant from its container and look for creamy, C-shaped larvae with brown heads around the root ball.

How can you check for adult vine weevil?

Inspect plants after dark with a torch or check sheltered areas around pots, walls and dense foliage. Adult vine weevils are flightless and often hide during daylight.

If only a few adults are present, they can be collected and removed. Continue monitoring because leaf notching shows that adults are feeding but does not tell you whether larvae are already present around the roots.

How can vine weevil be managed?

Biological controls based on beneficial nematodes can be useful where the compost or soil temperature and moisture are suitable. Follow the product instructions carefully because different biological products work best under particular conditions.

For potted Green Spire, routine root inspection is particularly valuable if the plant starts to decline unexpectedly. The wider Euonymus care guide also covers root stress and watering problems that can mimic pest damage.