Problems With Hydrangea

Question

Have some hydrangea plants in my front yard – one of them seems to be drooping as if it needs water. I live in Illinois and we have had rain less then two days ago and much more before that. Wednesday’s rain was a soaking rain and the weather was hot and humid.  It also looks as if it has something eating at the leaves. I looked on the leaves but do not see anything. I have several plants in the landscape, but only one of the hydrangeas appears to be wilting. All seem to have leaves here or there with something eating at it. I also have some hostas that appear that something is eating at them as well. First thought it might be rabbits, since there were some leaves that were along the edge, but some have the holes in the center as well.

Answer 1

If you have holes in the leaves, including your hosta plants, then it could be slugs. You would likely not see these pests as they generally come out only at night. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/facts-about-slugs-and-how-to-kill-garden-slugs.htm