What Is Wrong With My Schizophragma (Hydrangea Vine)?

Are the flowers covered with gray mold, leaves may be blotched or discolored?

Are there any rust-colored spots on foliage?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Are there any circular areas on the foliage with concentric bands of dark and light green?

Are the leaves tied together with silk strands and discolored?

Are the leaves covered with small bumps?

Are the leaves stippled with yellow and the foliage is webbed?

Are the leaves curled and distorted, sticky to the touch?

Gray mold on flowers is probably caused by fungal disease - Botrytis blight. You can prevent Botrytis blight disease by planting in areas with good air circulation. Water plants sparsely. Severely infected plants should be removed. Spray weekly with a copper fungicide until the disease is under control.

Rust-colored spots on foliage indicate a fungal disease - Rust. Provide good air circulation around plants by thining them. Avoid making leaves wet when watering. All infected leaves should be removed. Spray leaves with sulfur early in the season to prevent rust or to treat mild infections.

White, powdery patches on the leaves are caused by a fungal disease Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Encourage good air circulation around the affected plants by thining them and any surrounding plants. Water plants from bellow to keep foliage dry. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed. The appropriate fungicidal spray will protect your plant from further infections.

These symptoms indicate Ringspot virus. After the first symptoms, the tissue dies in the middle of the ring. There is no cure for this disease. To prevent its spread, remove the plant from your garden.

Leaftier is a caterpillar that ties the foliage with silk strands to protect itself as it feeds. They are small green caterpillars 1/2 inch long with dark brown heads. If the infestation is light, break open the “envelopes" and pick off the caterpillars. For heavier infestations, spray plants with BTK.

Leaves covered by small bumps are caused by scales. These tiny, shelled insects often feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing an unhealthy appearance with yellowish blotches on the upper leaf surfaces. Scrape off minor infestations with your fingernail. Prune out badly infested growth, or use a soft brush and soapy water to gently scrub the scales off the stems. Control scales by spraying insecticidal oil during the growing season.

Leaves stippled with yellow and webbed foliage is caused by spider mites. These tiny, spider-like pests feed by sucking sap from the underside of the plants leaves causing yellow flecking on the upper leaf surfaces. You can control spider mites by spraying plants thoroughly with water 2-3 times a day for several days. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap, or pyrethrin as a last resort.

Distorted and sticky leaves and stems are caused by aphids. These tiny insects cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and latter leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used only with severe infestations.

Skeletonized leaves and eaten flowers on hydrangea vines are caused by Rose chafers (metallic-green beetles). Handpick adult beetles into a can of soapy water. Apply parasitic nematodes to the soil to limit beetle grub populations. Use pyrethrin powder as a last resort.