All gardeners should follow three rules to prevent pests 'ruining hydrangeas'

When it comes to much-loved plants, it's fair to say that many people like hydrangeas.

After all, they're bright, colourful and can inject any with a lot of life and vibrancy. However, keeping them in good health can sometimes be tricky.

By following some simple rules you can work to try and make sure your blooms come beautiful year after year. To help people out, expert at , David Fryer, has offered some essential advice.

With over 30,000 followers on , the brand has been inspiring gardeners since way back in 1978. Now some new advice will help even the more experienced gardeners to lengthen the life of their flowers.

According to David, a healthy, well-fed, well-watered hydrangea is your best defence against and diseases. However, these plants can occasionally fall victim to a few common issues.

Pests

Aphids (greenfly and whitefly) thrive in warm weather, targeting young plants. To keep them healthy, you should:

• Ensure good airflow around your plants.
• Wash off mild infestations with a blast of water.
• Use a homemade insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators like ladybirds.

Spider mites suck moisture from leaves, causing yellowing, fine webs and stunted growth.

• Look for damage first - they often hide beneath the leaves.
• High temperatures trigger infestations, so spray leaves with water to keep them cool.
• Remove plant debris, as eggs can survive through winter.

Other problems you may encounter:

• Powdery mildew - a fungal disease appearing as white, powdery patches on leaves and stems, often leading to leaf drop.
• Rust - shows as round orange spots on the underside of leaves, turning them brown and weakening the plant.

Prevention tips

• Maintain good airflow - avoid planting too closely together.
• Choose sunny, well-ventilated spots, as overly shaded areas encourage fungal growth.
• Keep foliage dry, especially when watering in warm weather.
• If necessary, use natural treatments like neem oil.

Slugs and snails

Hydrangeas, especially young shoots, are a favourite feast for slugs and snails.

• Clear plant debris to reduce hiding spots.
• Hand-picking at night is surprisingly effective.

With these care tips, your hydrangeas should thrive beautifully, season after season with no need for harsh chemicals. Hydrangeas are a favourite in British gardens, thanks to their lush foliage and spectacular blooms.

But to keep them looking their best, they need the right conditions, regular watering and proper feeding. There are simple ways to ensure your hydrangeas flourish year after year.