What's eating my hydrangea 'little lime'?

Hydrangea 'Little Lime' is most threatened by aphids, which cluster on new growth and distort flower buds. Japanese beetles skeletonize leaves in midsummer, and deer will browse shoots in autumn and spring. Rose chafer beetles and spider mites can also cause damage in hot, dry summers.

Sticky honeydew, curled or puckered new leaves, distorted flower buds — often with ant activity as a telltale sign Blast off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybirds and lacewings

Skeletonized leaves with only the veins remaining, damage worst in midsummer on sun-facing growth Hand-pick into soapy water early morning; apply milky spore to lawn to target grubs; avoid pheromone traps near the plant

Ragged, torn browsing on young shoots and flower heads, especially in spring and late autumn Install deer fencing or motion-activated sprinklers; apply deer repellent spray to foliage, reapplying after rain

Fine stippling on leaves, bronze-grey cast, and fine webbing on undersides during hot dry spells Increase humidity, mist foliage; spray with neem oil or horticultural oil; introduce predatory mites if infestation is severe