My Shooting Star Hydrangea Is Infested With Little Bugs

Shooting Star Hydrangeas

• Shooting Star hydrangeas belong to the lacecap mycrophylla group and grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 10. They produce their bright white blooms in groups of long stems, and grow deep green foliage. These shrubs reach 3 to 5 feet in height and spread at maturity.

Hydrangea Pests

• The most common hydrangea pests include aphids, leaf tiers, rose chafers and red spider mites, according to the Clemson Cooperative Extension. These pests suck the sap from Shooting Star hydrangea foliage and lead to dehydration and leaf failure. Auburn University notes that hydrangea pest infestations occur more often in stressed plants because underlying problems weaken the shrubs.

Treatments

• Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to loosen the bugs and get rid of as many as you can. Use a commercial pesticide on the shrub per manufacturer directions to kill remaining bugs, or opt for an organic choice such as neem oil or horticultural oil. Maintain these treatments as recommended to prevent further infestations. Prune away any dead or highly damaged foliage to allow plant recovery.

Site and Space

• Shooting Star hydrangeas are more likely to survive infestations, and less likely to share pests, when planted in appropriate locations and given adequate space. Plant the shrubs in sites with partial, indirect or filtered sun to keep them moist and healthy, and give each Shooting Star hydrangea 4 to 5 feet of growing room. Plant these shrubs in sites with good year-round drainage; standing water weakens their root systems.

Soil, Nutrition, Moisture

• Healthy, well-fed Shooting Star hydrangeas fight off infection and infestation more successfully than weak, sickly shrubs. Plant the Shooting Star hydrangea with generous amounts of organic compost and leaf mold for soil nutrition and drainage, and turn compost into the soil every spring. The University of Georgia recommends 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 fertilizer for hydrangeas in March, May and July. Mulch thickly and water these moisture-loving deeply every week.