What's eating my hydrangea aspera 'villosa'?

Hydrangea aspera 'Villosa' can be troubled by aphids on new growth, vine weevils whose larvae damage roots, and spider mites in hot dry spells. Slugs and snails target young spring foliage. Deer will browse it where present. The shrub is generally resilient; aphids on new growth are the most common problem.

Dense colonies on young shoot tips and flower buds cause curled, yellowed leaves and sticky honeydew leading to sooty mould. Strong water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; attract ladybirds and hoverflies as natural predators.

Adults notch leaf margins in summer; C-shaped cream larvae in soil eat roots, causing plants to wilt and collapse. Apply pathogenic nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist soil in late summer or autumn; use vine weevil biological control compost drenches.

Pale stippling on leaf surface; fine webbing on undersides; foliage may look dull and bronzed in dry summers. Increase watering; mist foliage; apply insecticidal soap to leaf undersides; introduce predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis in severe cases.

Ragged holes in young emerging leaves in spring; slime trails present; worst on plants with dense base foliage in damp conditions. Handpick at dusk; use iron phosphate pellets; apply grit mulch; encourage thrushes and ground beetles.