I should know what these shrubs are but I don't - which complicates my search for solutions. I have several of these but one (in the shade) has whithered away this summer. There are small white 'pills' on the leaves that are still alive but as you can see, the shrub is being consumed.

A) can you tell me the name of these shrubs
B) what are the white pills (super small)
C) are the pills killing the bush?
D) best way to cure - I'm afraid there is no saving this shrub (there is only about 1/3 of it left) but I don't want it to spread

The 1st photo shows the pills on the healthy leaves.
The 2nd photo shows the condition of the plant
The 3rd is a healthy version nearby.

Thank you for your help.

It looks like it could be a Euonymus based on the gold and green coloring of the leaves, but I am no expert. I am not sure what the pills are but I would think any organic pesticide spray-I like the garlic pepper tea-would be helpful.

That's a scale problem. Mine get it from time to time

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Euonymus_scale_1.JPG

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/organic/garden/view_question/id/1248/

I just noticed the images you posted. The 'pills' you mentioned are NOT scale and are not killing the shrub. They are the eggs from the green lacewing bug which is beneficial. Something totally different is killing the shrub. Just wanted to mention that.

I'm confused. Aren't these lacewing eggs?:
http://www.dirtdoctor.com/organic/garde ... on/id/803/

Love my garden..that's what my post said too.