Hi Ben,

The beetles are eating the leaves, particularly it seems new growth. Our soil is considered by some the best in the U. S., rich black midwest farm soil. I haven't given any plant food. We just planted 3 of these plants this spring but the smallest one in particular seems to be getting hit the hardest. They are in full sun. It's pretty windy here, about 3/4ths of the time we have wind but our house does offer some protection against it. We have very cold winters. This summer we've had some higher than usual temperatures and quite a lack of rain.