Ask-a-Dave's-Gardener: Hydrangea paniculata \"Strawberry Vanilla\", 1 by Kell

Kell wrote:
Poor you. I have so wanted to see a Hydrangea paniculata Strawberry Vanilla in full bloom. The photos look too good to be true!

Sounds like you have borers. I had borers on my apricot tree years ago and had to spray the ground around the tree in spring I think just before they came out to live in the ground. LOL It was years ago and my memory may not be accurate.

If your bush was not grafted, it may well sprout lots of new shoots. You best get rid off all the clippings in case there are borers in them. I would take an example of the damage and put in plastic bag. Go to your best nursery and get their advice as to what you can use to destroy any that are left.

I found this
[HYPERLINK@homeguides.sfgate.com]

This might help.
[HYPERLINK@entomology.ca.uky.edu]

Good luck!
Photo from HGTV