What's eating my oakleaf hydrangea?

Oakleaf Hydrangea faces more pest pressure than most hydrangeas. Japanese beetles are a particular problem on this species, skeletonising leaves in summer. Aphids hit new growth in spring, and deer find it especially palatable — they browse buds and shoots on old wood, which sets back flowering the following year. Address beetles by hand-picking at dusk; use deer barriers where browsing is heavy.

Leaves skeletonised (only veins remain); lacy appearance across the entire canopy in summer Hand-pick beetles at dusk into soapy water; use row netting; apply milky spore or nematodes to lawn grubs

Clusters on young shoots; curled, distorted leaves; honeydew leading to sooty mould Blast off with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybirds

Shoots and flower buds browsed heavily in late winter and spring; plant may fail to bloom that season as it flowers on old wood Install fencing or burlap wraps over winter; apply deer repellent monthly; choose deer-resistant companion plantings