What's eating my hydrangea 'pinky winky'?

Hydrangea 'Pinky Winky' is primarily troubled by aphids clustering on new shoots and flower stems. Japanese beetles cause heavy skeletonization in midsummer. Deer are a serious threat in rural gardens. Spider mites may flare up during hot, dry stretches, bronzing the foliage.

Curled, sticky, yellowing new leaves; honeydew deposits attracting ants; possible sooty mould on affected shoots Remove by hand or water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage aphid predators like ladybirds

Skeletonized leaves in midsummer, with soft tissue eaten and veins left intact Hand-pick into soapy water in the morning; use row covers during peak emergence; apply milky spore to lawn soil

Torn and browsed shoot tips and flower panicles, especially in spring and when food is scarce in autumn Erect deer fencing or use motion-activated repellents; apply scent-based deer repellents regularly

Fine pale stippling across leaf surfaces, dusty webbing underneath leaves, bronzed or papery foliage in severe cases Improve air circulation and water during dry spells; spray with neem oil or horticultural oil; avoid water stress