Hydrangea: Hail damage

Biology

Damage to plants depends on size of the hailstones and intensity of the storm. Minor damage may not show immediately, but may appear days or weeks later as small whitish scars or spots on the leaves. More severe damage may show immediately after the storm as tears or irregular holes, or shredded leaves and flower clusters. Leaves may be torn completely off the plants. Unlike leaf spots caused by disease or insect damage, hail scars do not continue to enlarge or spread once the initial damage is done.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Hail damage is typically only an aesthetic concern. Unless plants are completely defoliated, it has little impact on plant health.
• Hydrangeas prefer some afternoon shade and planting near sheltering trees may help reduce both hail and sun damage.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended