You did not say at what time of the year this problem happens. This is typically a very nice and strong bush. Could it be getting too much/little water? It should get about 1 gallon of water per watering ONLY if a finger inserted into the soil to a depth of 4" feels dry or almost dry. If the soil is moist then do not water. If the soil is wet, you need to determine what is causing that (poor draining soil, getting too much water somehow, etc). For w w==hole week, try using the finger method daily in the mornings to monitor how the soil feels and how often you have to water. If watering with a sprinkler system, review at the end of the week how much water is being dumped into this area each time the sprinkler goes off (usually 1" of water is fine or put another way, a tuna can would a-l-m-o-s-t fill up). It should be somewhat normal to water once or twice a week, tops, in the middle of the Spring. Aim for watering less often but deeply because too much watering causes root rot and parts of the plant can die back and wilt.

Thanks for the information. It is spring in zone 6 and I took the picture this morning. I pulled back the mulch and felt like one side was a little low so added some dirt. I think maybe it has had too much water but not sure. I am about to get my finger dirty and find out. My neighbor has this plant and it is so healthy and she does not do anything special.

Hi Brooks it could be leaftier moth, I have this problem every spring with my Anneabelle and Incrediball hydrangeas. Google ..Heidi horticulture Anneabelle leaftier moth

Thanks so much. I will do some research. This moth is new to me. I appreciate the help

Let's not over-think things here, folks. What's happening there is a NATURAL PROCESS. You will notice two things about Annabelles each season:

- A handful of old wood stems will not generate anything. Get rid of those.

- A handful of old wood stems will begin to produce growth and then it abruptly dies. Get rid of those as well.

This is a natural part of the process of "phasing out" the unhealthiest old wood growth. It is important to keep the plant tidy and get rid of this so the plant stays at its healthiest and best-looking.

It is important to note that what's happening in the picture will *never* happen on new shoots coming up from the soil.

You should not / will not see any pest damage until at least a month from now.

Thanks so much. That makes me feel better!

Springwood ..what do you think pictures look similar?

No, the above pictures look like a cocoon where the insect is wrapped around but, the first one looks like a dried out and torn & open leaf.

After I cut the wilted stems off my Annabelle seem to be doing better

Good news Brooks23! Keep an eye on the soil moisture, especially during the summer months.Make sure if does not dry out and that it does not get wet feet.

hyed, I would be looking for the topmost two leaves on a stem being formed into a pod, with their edges neatly glued together in symmetrical fashion. This pod may have a wrinkled appearance. Looks like there's one in the upper left corner?

I already have the pests, but there only appear to be 2-3 on each 4' diameter plant. They only seem to be active for less than a month, and the stem will eventually break through and outgrow the mess.