Question
My (2) 2 mo old Limelights had great flower balls but they are going by (Sept 15 in Zone 3 - northern NJ). They are 3-4 ft ht & in almost full bloom when bought. Meanwhile I just cut them back above the leaves, but the sparse new leaves under the spent flowers are brown edged and curling back to die. There is limited but some new green growth away from the spent flower clusters.  I saw your answer on pests w/Hydrangia but I can see no sign of spider mites or anything on underside of leaves, flowers or stalks.  I was watering well in rich humus soil but cut back to 2-3 times per week when flower balls were browning out.  Could the leaves be withering from drought?  My moiture meter indicates low moisture near plant bases.  Also a gardener friend told me to add mix of 1 part manure to 2 part garden soil (Miriclegrow type) to bottom of holes prior to planting.  I later realized that I did not add a 1 inch layer of regular soil as a buffer against burning roots. A few weeks later, on advice of a landscaper, I started to water daily for 2 week to dilute potency of of fertilizer.  A variety of 30 perrenials were planted identically with the same aftercare and seem to be doing better.  I don't know PH yet but all soils are rich. Help!!

Answer
Hi Edna,
Thanx for your question.  It sounds to me like there is too much moisture in the ground.  Watering 2-3 times per week with rich humus is too much.  The manure should not have adversely affected the plants but the leaf curl is indicative of too much fertilizer and/or too much water.  It could also be spider mites.  They are almost impossible to see but sometimes will leave behind web-like material.  Just because you don't see any web-like material doesn't mean they are not there.  Just to be on the safe side get a miticide or other horticultural soap and treat 3-5 days a week according to the directions on the package.  Cut watering back to once a week if you don't have regular rain.  Don't feed the plant any more just yet and do not do any more pruning.  New Jersey soils tend to be acidic, which hydrangeas like, so I doubt if that's the problem.  It's got to be one of the things I mentioned above.  Try it and let me know what happens.  I hope this helps.
Tom