what is the white stuff on my hydrangea leaves

What does powdery mildew look like on hydrangeas?

Powdery mildew on hydrangeas will often look like a pale gray, powdery coating on the leaves. This is also a fungus that spread through spores. This typically happens during periods with hot days and cool nights. The large swings in temperatures help spread this disease.

What is the white stuff on my hydrangea?

The immature scales (nymphs known as crawlers) are difficult to see and the presence of these insects becomes apparent in early summer when the adult scales deposit eggs on the stems and leaves. You may see: Eggs which are covered in white waxy fibres that form smooth, oval patches 3-4mm long.

What does fungus on hydrangeas look like?

Circular shaped spots are small and purple, increasing to irregular patches with a grayish tan center bordered by purple or brown. At later stages, leaf spots begin yellowing. Remove damaged leaves at any point and dispose of them. They can hold the fungus over winter, so get them out of the area.

How do you clean hydrangea leaves?

Spring Hydrangea CareClean leaves out from under shrubs. ... If your hydrangea's leaves looked like this, in previous years, be sure to clean all the fallen foliage and debris out from under the shrubs. ... Wait to prune your lacecap and mophead hydrangeas until you see the leaves actually opening up on the canes.More items...•

How do you get rid of white fungus on hydrangeas?

A homemade solution of 2 to 3 drops of dish soap that does not contain heavy fragrances or bleach, 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda and 1/2 gallon of water will change the pH balance and prevent powdery mildew from spreading and forming. Liberally mist the foliage with the solution for an organic control of the fungus.

How do you get rid of white mold on hydrangeas?

Combine two to three drops of dish soap with ½ tablespoon (7.5 mL.) of baking soda and ½ gallon (about 2 L.) of water. This will change the pH and prevent the mildew from forming or spreading.

What does powdery mildew look like?

One of the most noticeable symptoms of powdery mildew is the spots or patches of white powder that can be found usually on the leaves. These spots enlarge and become a dusty white or gray coating.

How often should hydrangeas be watered?

3 times a weekHydrangea Care Tips Water at a rate of 1 inch per week throughout the growing season. Deeply water 3 times a week to encourage root growth. Bigleaf and smooth hydrangeas require more water, but all varieties benefit from consistent moisture.

When should hydrangeas be cut back?

Prune back stems to just above a fat bud — called a heading cut — in fall, late winter or spring. These plants have conical-shaped flower heads. I recommend leaving the dry, tan flower heads on the plant to provide some winter interest in your landscape, so I wait to prune these until late winter or spring.

Should I cut off Brown hydrangea blooms?

Are the blooms on your hydrangea shrubs fading or turning brown? No need to worry – this is simply a sign that it's time to remove the flowers, a process called deadheading. When you deadhead hydrangeas, you aren't harming the plants at all.

What is the best treatment for powdery mildew?

Powdery mildew fungicide: Use sulfur-containing organic fungicides as both preventive and treatment for existing infections. Trim or prune: Remove the affected leaves, stems, buds, fruit or vegetables from the plant and discard. Some perennials can be cut down to the ground and new growth will emerge.

What does powdery mildew look like?

One of the most noticeable symptoms of powdery mildew is the spots or patches of white powder that can be found usually on the leaves. These spots enlarge and become a dusty white or gray coating.

How do I get rid of mealybugs on hydrangeas?

Mealybugs are difficult to control using insecticides because the wax coating that covers their bodies prevents most insecticidal sprays from penetrating. Spray hydrangea bushes with a steady but strong stream of water to dislodge the insects. You can also treat infestations with insecticidal soaps or oils.

What are the causes of powdery mildew?

Powdery mildew, mainly caused by the fungus Podosphaera xanthii, infects all cucurbits, including muskmelons, squash, cucumbers, gourds, watermelons and pumpkins. Powdery mildew infections favor humid conditions with temperatures around 68-81° F. In warm, dry conditions, new spores form and easily spread the disease.