Hydrangea Wilted After Treatment For Spider Mites

Question From: Orangevale, California, United States
Q: HI, Nancy, My new hydrangea developed spider mites. At the recommendation of a garden center employee, I treated it with a 3 in 1 systemic rose fertilizer/insecticide. Within 2 hours the leaves wilted. Is that normal and if not, is there anything I can do to save the plant? Thank you for your help!

A: AnNIta, I doubt the 3 and 1 caused the wilting if you used it according to directions. Hydrangeas will wilt in the hot sun even tough their soil is moist and recoup when the sun goes down. Be sure to keep the soil moist at all times. It is best sited in an area where it is in the shade in the heat of the afternoom. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy