Hydrangeas are relatively insensitive and are rarely attacked by vermin. Once pests have settled on the plant, they can usually be controlled very easily.
What pests attack hydrangeas and how can you combat them?
Hydrangeas can be attacked by pests such as aphids, mealybugs, spider mites and snails. Prevention and control include regular fertilization, plant strengthening agents, collection of snails and, in the case of severe infestations, ecologically compatible insecticides.
Aphids
These insects are parasites of weakness. There are about 800 different species, varying in size and color. Some of these pests protect themselves with a layer of waxy powder, which makes the lice look like they are powdered.
Prevention and control
Strengthen the he alth of the hydrangea by regularly spraying it with horsetail or nettle broth. Mulching also prevents infestation.
Aphids can be rinsed off the plant with a hard jet of water. If there is a severe infestation, we recommend spraying with ecologically compatible products from specialist garden shops.
Mealybugs
This pest protects itself from drying out using a wax produced in special glands. The insects initially nest in the leaf axils and later attack the entire plant. They suck on the leaves and excrete substances that are harmful to the hydrangea. This causes the leaves to curl up and eventually die.
Prevention and control
Hydrangeas that overwinter indoors are often attacked by mealybugs. These plants are usually too warm and it is enough to put the hydrangea in a cool place after spraying it once.
If you can only discover a few lice, it is sufficient to wet them with a cotton swab soaked in cooking oil or spirit. Since mealybugs are very stubborn, it is advisable to cut off the colonized plant parts and dispose of them with household waste if the infestation is severe. Spray the hydrangea with a commercially available insecticide and check the plant several times for new infestations.
Spider mites
You can recognize these arachnids by the small, light green spots on the leaves and the webs on the underside of the leaves or the leaf axils. The tiny little pest feeds on plant sap and can cause massive damage to the hydrangea if it occurs in large numbers.
Prevention and control
Fertilize the hydrangea regularly so that it develops strong and he althy. Strong plants with an intact immune system can often deal with spider mites on their own. Plant tonics such as garlic extracts or field horsetail broth have a preventative effect.
If the infestation is very severe, spray the hydrangea with preparations that contain neem oil (€28.00 at Amazon). These protect beneficial insects and at the same time work very well against spider mites.
Snails
Large holes in the center of the leaf and skeletal foliage indicate snail infestation. The evening and nocturnal animals hide in daylight. However, the traces of slime on the plant are unmistakable.
Prevention and control
A fine-crumbly, loose soil is avoided by snails. The animals find it difficult to overcome snail fences, scattered pebbles, coffee powder or wood shavings.
Consistent collection is most promising. Slug pellets should not be used in the home garden as it also kills the useful shell snails.
Tips & Tricks
Vermin can be combated relatively easily in the early stages using ecologically compatible means. Therefore, check the hydrangea regularly for infestation.
