Getting rid of damaging bug on my Limelight Hydrangea
Every year a particular pest, of which I do not know the name, lands on my limelight hydrangea buds. It is very difficult to spray because the wormy stage of the bug crawls into the emerging leaves and then spins a web that encloses the leaves. Inside it lays eggs and eats the flower bud and destroys the plant. SO, How to irradicate?? Just follow these easy steps!
Proof that the wormy bug has landed on your shrub. See how the leaves are webbed shut?
Gently pull the leaves apart. See the little worm in the center by the flower bud? This is a fairly 'mature' one - about a centimeter long. Often I see them less than 1/4 inch long. He's been busy creating his little web and laying eggs (why I oughtta!)
Now, take the two outside leaves and press them together over the wormy and smoosh it. Voila! The flower bud has been saved from destruction!
Now your flower can develop properly. Here is a bud that was spared the wormy invasion.
I have squished about 40 or 50 of these suckers, but now the hyndrangea will flower regularly. I will post a photo of this hydrangea in about 2 weeks in full bloom :-)