What's eating my panicle hydrangea 'vanilla strawberry'?

Panicle Hydrangea 'Vanilla Strawberry' is a tough grower, but aphids colonize soft shoot tips and Japanese beetles skeletonize summer foliage. Rose chafer beetles also feed on flowers and leaves. Deer occasionally browse the blooms in rural gardens. Knock aphids off with water; hand-pick beetles; use deer repellent spray where browsing is a problem.

Distorted, sticky new shoots; honeydew deposits attracting sooty mold and ants Dislodge with a strong water spray. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations; repeat every 5–7 days.

Lacy, skeletonized leaves; beetles congregate in groups, feeding most actively in warm afternoon sun Hand-pick into soapy water early morning. Apply pyrethrin spray as a last resort. Do not place beetle bag traps nearby — they attract more beetles.

Holes chewed in flower petals and foliage; tan, long-legged beetles present May–July Hand-pick and destroy. Pyrethrin-based insecticide is effective; reapply after rain.

Stems snapped or stripped of leaves and flower heads, typically overnight; no insect signs Apply scent-based repellent sprays (e.g., Deer Out, Bobbex) and reapply after heavy rain. Install deer netting in high-pressure areas.