What's eating my lacecap hydrangea?

Lacecap Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mariesii Perfecta') is attacked by aphids, vine weevils, and capsid bugs outdoors. Vine weevil is the most damaging — larvae destroy roots, causing sudden wilt and plant death. Deer and slugs may also attack young shoots and foliage. Apply nematodes in late summer for vine weevil control.

Adults cut irregular notches in leaf margins at night; C-shaped cream larvae in the soil eat roots through autumn and winter, causing sudden wilting and plant death — worst in containers. Apply beneficial nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist soil in late summer while soil is warm. Use nematode-based biological controls for pots. Remove adults by torchlight at night.

Cluster on new growth and flower buds; sap-feeding causes leaf curl, yellowing, and sticky honeydew that promotes sooty mould on the ornamental lacecap flowers. Blast off with a strong water jet. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestations persist. Encourage natural predators by leaving some weedy patches nearby.

Feed on young shoot tips and buds in spring, leaving ragged brown-edged holes in expanding leaves; damage looks similar to disease but has no mould or discolouration. Difficult to target as capsids drop when disturbed. Spray with pyrethrum in the evening when bugs are active. Remove weedy hosts around the garden.