Pest identification
What's eating my climbing hydrangea?
Aphids
Signs: Soft new shoot tips colonised; sticky honeydew, curled or puckered leaves, possible sooty mould
Control: Hose off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil at 7–10-day intervals until clear
Spider mites
Signs: Fine silky webbing on leaf undersides; bronzed, stippled foliage — worst in hot, dry conditions
Control: Improve air circulation; spray undersides thoroughly with neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat weekly
Scale insects
Signs: Flat or domed shells along woody stems; yellowing leaves; sticky honeydew and sooty mould
Control: Scrape off with a stiff brush; apply horticultural oil when dormant to smother overwinter eggs
Keep climbing hydrangea pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Climbing Hydrangea pests — FAQ
What is eating my climbing hydrangea?
Climbing Hydrangea is generally trouble-free on a mature, well-sited plant. Aphids appear on soft new growth in spring and early summer, spider mites can colonise leaves in dry spells, and scale insects occasionally settle on woody stems. Pest pressure is rarely severe; healthy vigorous growth usually outpaces light infestations. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if populations build.
How do I get rid of aphids on climbing hydrangea?
Soft new shoot tips colonised; sticky honeydew, curled or puckered leaves, possible sooty mould Hose off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil at 7–10-day intervals until clear
How do I get rid of spider mites on climbing hydrangea?
Fine silky webbing on leaf undersides; bronzed, stippled foliage — worst in hot, dry conditions Improve air circulation; spray undersides thoroughly with neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of scale insects on climbing hydrangea?
Flat or domed shells along woody stems; yellowing leaves; sticky honeydew and sooty mould Scrape off with a stiff brush; apply horticultural oil when dormant to smother overwinter eggs