Normal silvering of the leaves.

It is indeed looks like a H.arborescens and since it's a stoloniferous plant no wonder that new sprouts are bid apart from the mother plant. As damaged/deformed leaves are cocerned, I wouldn't pay much attention to that yet. I've seen this many times on a young emerging fom the underground shoots and unless you see sucking insects or caterpillars feeding on them this type of damage is nothing but cosmetic.

(sigh) I get busy for a while and miss out on so much excitement. I hope she hasn't left but if Michelle (or whoever s/he is) left for whatever reason, I give her (/him?) kudos for not doing like so many who post a "storm out" post reminiscent of Beaver Cleaver I'm running away from home... and I ain't not never coming back! looking for the pleading of please stay, don't go, only to be back posting a short while later and usually making a big announcement post how they have forgiven the forum, presumably to get yet more attention. And I like Michelle's posts. Far more interesting than some others who shall remain nameless. At least Michelle's invoked some thought and rational thinking rather than talking only about herself. Thanks pup, for the info.

The stem feels firm. This is a new development. It also appears there are tracks as if fluid has run down the side. I can spray but I also have ladybugs I can release if I can just determine if a pest is the cause. The plant looks healthy otherwise.