this is the macrophylla
{{gwi:1011454}}and lace cap{{gwi:1011455}}{{gwi:1011456}}

Hello, bluetiful. A little fungus can be a nuisance but it can also quickly develop into a major infestation so you need to keep an eye on how many leaves are affected. If more than a fourth are affected or the damage is ugly and very visible then I would start researching the fungus and looking for a fungicide. Otherwise, if it is just a small amount in a handful of leaves, I either ignore it, cut the leaves off or simply keep an eye on things (some infestations can develop overnight if the weather conditions are right).

Mulch on the other, is pretty cheap so I would go through the expense and replace it now. Your choice of mulch is up to you, specially if your garden can provide it for free. Try to maintain about 4" of mulch through or past the drip line.

The suggestion about watering the soil, not the leaves, is meant to minimize the chance of developing fungal infections in leaves as you water multiple times a week through most of the year. As you point out, there is nothing you can do about the rain wetting down the leaves. You can however, take actions which will reduce the humidity which allows the fungus to flourish. That is why we suggest watering the soil instead of the leaves. You can also make sure that there is good air flow between plants. That means you separate the plants physically so they are not touching each other. And you take action if objects in the garden prevent wind from flowing through the area where the hydrangeas are. If there are drainage issues which keep the soil wet then these too need to be addressed. Fallen leaves, trash and any other type of plant debris where the fungus can accumulate should be disposed of in the trash (not the compost pile). These are general, good sanitation practices worth applying to any plant in the garden.

When dealing with fungal infections, it is important to correctly diagnose the infection so you can apply an appropriate non-expired fungicide, for the correct amount, and for the correct number of applications. Taking a sample to a local nursery or Agriculture Extension Service can aid greatly. Daconil (active ingredient chlorothalonil) Ultrex, Zn and WeatherStik are recommended by ACES (Alabama Cooperative Extension System) to treat Cercospora and Anthracnose Fungal Infections. So is ClearyÂs 3336 (active ingredient thiophanate-methyl). If your budget allows, apply both products in alternating sequences in order to minimize disease resistance to the fungicides. In other words, on week one, apply Âsay- Daconil and on the next application date, use 3336. Then go back to Daconil and so forth.

I hope that helps bluetiful,
Luis