What’s wrong with my hydrangea? :(

dont_die_wondering

I am watering it well and it has plenty of sun, but why is it dying??

fidgetbones

It looks like something is eating it. Check under the leaves, and for slugs when it gets dark.

Fire

With the holes in the middle of the leaves, I would suspect some kind of caterpillar or specialised beetle. I would deadhead and feed, and keep a close eye day and night until you spot the b****ds.

dont_die_wondering

Oh I did see a couple of slugs actually! I seem to have them in a few of my boarders. 
How do I effectively get rid of them (I have cats so can’t do pellets) 

Fire

Going out at night and picking them off works quite well. Use the forum search to find many hundreds of discussions on slug solutions.

dont_die_wondering

Thank you! 

Jason-3

You have two issues from I can see. Sun scorch and slugs/snails.the latter I would use slug pellets...although I know they are popular on here. Nematodes will take too long to get going your plant need some instant relief.

Your bigger issue is sun damage. My hydrangea dont get touched by slugs/snails as the plants are robust and healthy. Hydrangea macrophelia generally do not do well in full glaring sun particully when they ate young plants.They prefer morning sun/afternoon shade or dappled shade. They are also very thirsty plants so I'd water them once or twice a week but a full wateing can full

AnniD

Yes, I'd agree re: the sun. That is probably putting it under stress and the slugs are taking advantage!

dont_die_wondering

Thanks both of you. I will dig it up and replant elsewhere. I know this is probably a really silly question for seasoned gardeners (but I am not, I just wing it and hope for the best!!!) but do hydrangeas grow really large? And if so, are they easy to keep to a reasonably trimmed size? 
I have a boarder the other side I could pop it in but there’s already some pretty established planting. Will this hydrangea take over? 
Thanks in advance 

Obelixx

If you move it now you need to soak the roots thoroughly before you dig it up and then put it straight in a ready prepared hole.  Back fill with plenty of moisture retentive material mixed in the soil - well-rotted garden compost or manure - and water thoroughly again.  You'll need to water it every week until autumn.

Hydrangeas can get very large but can be controlled by pruning but won't appreciate being crammed and cramped.   Here's some info  from the RHS that may help - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=122  If you know the variety you can look that up on the RHS site too.