I've been reading the blog and while I think I have slugs I want an experts help. I've added two pictures so you can see the leaves. I'm going to try the beer thing tonight - to confirm it's slugs. Do you think I have a slug problem? How do I find out what bugs are on my plants - are there any other resources with pictures?
Umm... that looks fungal to me, not insect. But it could just be the picture.
If it is fungal, its common, it happens to me. I tend ot get it on newly planted hydrangeas in their first year, almost always. They just aren't strong enough to fight it off at the time, but I rarely get it in later years. Though I tend to get it more if the hydrangea gets any direct sunlight, which is odd.
Anyways, there are topical fungicides like daconil, or systemic ones that you add to a watering can and water around the base of the plant.
But in anycase the problem should not be deadly, just unsightly.