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Sticky leaves on hydrangea

ladyjane23ladyjane23 Posts: 45
in The potting shed
My hydrangea is 40 years old and loves where it is but this year there are sticky leaves and a lot of water on the ground around the area below the bottom leaves. The brown is just old prickle branches to stop the cats as we thought it could be them. 

Posts

  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    Have you checked for aphids?
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 52,214
    I think that's the most likely reason. They [aphids] secrete a substance which ants like, and they farm them for that purpose. 
    You might see them around the area @ladyjane23. If there are overhanging trees or other large shrubs, they might be on those, and the honeydew can drip down. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 21,752
    There are aphids on my elderflower tree at the moment so the plants under it are sticky.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • ladyjane23ladyjane23 Posts: 45
    Thank you Fairy Girl and Busy-Lizzie. There is no sign of aphids but they are tricky little fellas so I will buy an organic spray and douse the little blighters.
    thank you again for your help.
  • ladyjane23ladyjane23 Posts: 45
    Sorry and thank you Posy ..
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 52,214
    You can just wash them off with a hose. You can do the same with the hydrangea - it won't mind a jet of water or two to remove that sap.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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