Hydrangeas are beautiful flowering shrubs that are popular with gardeners.
Hydrangeas are primarily consumed by herbivorous animals such as deer, rabbits, and groundhogs.
Additionally, some insects like aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles may feed on hydrangea leaves and flowers. To protect your hydrangeas, consider using fencing, repellents, or introducing natural predators to control the insect population.
They have large, colorful blooms that can brighten up any garden.
However, if you have hydrangeas in your garden, you may notice that they sometimes get eaten by animals.
In this blog post, we will explore which animals eat hydrangeas.
1. Deer
Deer are one of the most common animals that eat hydrangeas. They are attracted to the plant’s tender leaves and flowers, particularly in the spring and summer when other food sources are scarce.
If you have a deer problem in your area, it can be difficult to keep them away from your hydrangeas. Some tips for deterring deer include:
- Planting deer-resistant plants around your hydrangeas
- Using deer repellent sprays or granules
- Installing a physical barrier such as a fence or netting
2. Rabbits
Rabbits are another common animal that eats hydrangeas. They like to nibble on the leaves and flowers, particularly in the spring when they are young and tender.
Rabbits can be difficult to keep away from your hydrangeas, but some tips for deterring them include:
- Planting rabbit-resistant plants around your hydrangeas
- Using rabbit repellent sprays or granules
- Installing a physical barrier such as a fence or netting
3. Squirrels
Squirrels are not known to eat hydrangeas, but they can still cause damage to the plant. They like to dig up the bulbs and roots of the plant, which can kill it.
If you have a squirrel problem in your area, some tips for deterring them include:
- Planting squirrel-resistant plants around your hydrangeas
- Using squirrel repellent sprays or granules
- Installing a physical barrier such as a fence or netting
4. Insects
Insects can also damage hydrangeas, particularly aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. These insects like to feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, which can cause discoloration and deformities.
Some tips for controlling insect damage include:
- Using insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays
- Planting companion plants that attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings
- Removing infected leaves and flowers promptly to prevent the spread of the infestation
5. Humans
Finally, humans can also cause damage to hydrangeas.
Overwatering, underwatering, and improper pruning can all harm the plant.
To keep your hydrangeas healthy, some tips include:
- Watering the plant deeply but infrequently
- Pruning the plant in the fall or early spring, after the blooms have faded
- Fertilizing the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and fall
Conclusion
In conclusion, hydrangeas can be vulnerable to a variety of animals and insects.
However, with proper care and attention, you can help keep your hydrangeas healthy and beautiful.
By planting companion plants, using repellents, and installing physical barriers, you can help keep animals and insects away from your hydrangeas.
And by following proper watering and pruning techniques, you can help ensure that your hydrangeas thrive.
