Pests on the hydrangea - what helps?

Pests on the hydrangea - what helps?

Aphids

These insects are among the weakness parasites. There are around 800 different types that differ in size and color. Some of these pests protect themselves with a layer of wax powder that makes the lice look like they have been powdered.

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Prevention and control

Strengthen the health of the hydrangea with regular sprayings of horsetail or nettle broth. Mulching also prevents infestation.

Aphids can be rinsed off the plant with a hard jet of water. In the case of severe infestation, we recommend spraying with ecologically compatible products from specialist gardeners.

Mealybug

These vermin protect themselves from drying out by a wax produced in special glands. At first the insects nest in the leaf axils, later they attack the entire plant. They suck on the leaves and excrete substances harmful to the hydrangea. This causes the leaves to curl up and eventually die.

Prevention and control

Hydrangeas that overwinter indoors are often infested with mealybugs. Usually these plants are too warm and it is sufficient to put the hydrangea in a cool place after spraying it once.

If you can only spot a few lice, it is sufficient to moisten them with a cotton swab soaked in cooking oil or alcohol. Since mealybugs are very stubborn, it is advisable to cut off the colonized parts of the plant and dispose of them in the household waste if the infestation is severe. Spray the hydrangea with a commercially available insecticide and check the plant several times for new infestations.

Spider mites

You can recognize these arachnids by the small, light green spots on the leaves as well as the webs on the underside of the leaf or the leaf axils. The tiny vermin feed on the sap and can cause massive damage to the hydrangea if they occur in large numbers.

Prevention and control

Fertilize the hydrangea regularly so that it develops vigorously and healthily. Strong plants with an intact immune system can often deal with spider mites on their own. Plant tonics such as garlic extracts or horsetail broth have a preventive effect.

In the case of very severe infestation, spray the hydrangea with preparations containing neem oil. These protect beneficial insects and at the same time are very effective against spider mites.

Snails

Large holes in the center of the leaf and skeletonized foliage indicate snail infestation. The evening and nocturnal animals crawl into daylight. However, the traces of slime on the plant cannot be overlooked.

Prevention and control

A fine crumbly, loose soil is avoided by snails. Snail fences, scattered pebbles, coffee powder or wood wool are difficult for the animals to overcome.

Consistent collection is the most promising. Slug pellets (€ 16.78 at Amazon *) should not be used in the home garden, as it also kills the useful shell snails.

Tips & Tricks

In the early stages, vermin can be fought relatively easily with ecologically compatible means. You should therefore check the hydrangea regularly for infestation.