A white infestation on the wood of the hydrangeas is a sign of a pest or fungal infestation. The infestation is usually accompanied by other signs. To prevent your hydrangeas from being further weakened, you should act quickly now.
What does a white infestation on the wood of my hydrangeas mean?
A white infestation on hydrangeas usually indicates mealybugs. You can fight the small, hairy pests with beneficial insects. A white coating can also be caused by a fungal infection. Then it is important to dispose of affected parts and to keep the plant as dry as possible and protected from moisture.
Which pests cause white infestation on hydrangea wood?
A white infestation on your hydrangeas can indicate mealybugs. The name of the small white pests is based on their woolly hair. They feed on the hydrangea plant sap, which they suck from the leaves. During this process they not only weaken the hydrangeas, but can also transmit viruses and fungi. You can see the white webs on both the leaves and the shoots. You can fight the louse with parasitic wasps, ladybirds or lacewings.
Can a fungal infection also lead to a white coating?
Fungus can also cause a white coating on hydrangeas. When infested withgray mold, the flowers, leaves and stems of the plant become covered with a dusty, dirty white coating. If you notice a fungal infestation, you should immediately dispose of all affected parts of the plant and ensure a drier environment.
Tip
Mildew causes white coating on leaves
If you discover the white infestation not on the wood but on the leaves of the hydrangea, it is probably powdery mildew. In the event of an infestation, it helps to spray the plants with a milk-water mixture, as the lactic acid bacteria contained can kill the fungus.
