Marianne's Response
Pods on my hydrangeas
My hydrangeas leaves are developing pods of 2 leaves sticking together by a white worm (or other white substance) inside. Eventually, the shrub dies. I’ve cut off each of the pods but, more keep developing. Please help!
Posted by Mary Craig on June 12, 2021
Marianne's Response
Oh dear. If you see white webs it could be the leafroller caterpillar that ties together leaves then feeds by skelentonizing the leaf. This insect overwinters on bare branches and stems then hides in the soil in the summer. The good news is that population usually declines on its own once the numerous parasites of the leafroller figures out where they are. You can also treat the shrubs with Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt a natural bacteria insecticide. A dormant oil spray in the winter can kill many overwintering eggs. Don't give up and keep picking off the infected leaves. Hydrangeas are pretty tough shrubs and your will most likely survive the outbreak. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti