Fuchsia and Hydrangea Shiveling: Likely Botrytis Fungus in Humid UK Conditions

A gardener in the UK reports that both fuchsias and a mature hydrangea are shriveling at the central core and failing to flower. The symptoms appeared after a bad winter. Without photos, a precise diagnosis is tricky, but the description points to botrytis, a fungal disease aggravated by moist, humid conditions.

Management Steps

• Avoid overhead watering; water at the base instead.
• Consider Mancozeb if treatment is needed (check local regulations).
• Remove diseased leaves and dead plant material from the garden.
• Take leaf samples to a local nursery or garden society for confirmation.

This is unlikely to be a pest issue. Improving air circulation and reducing leaf wetness are key to preventing recurrence.