Hello,

There aren’t many diseases or insects that bother climbing hydrangea. So, this will require a close look at the sections of vine that are wilting.

But first check the soil around the roots. Climbing hydrangea want consistently moist soil, and with the tree and hostas nearby there is a big competition for water. It has been hot and dry lately, so give the plant more water and see if it perks up.

Look for breaks or cracks or something restricting the vine. Gnawing damage by animals can cause this. Follow the vine all they way back to where it enters the ground, then all the way out to the end of the symptoms. If part is too high up, see if using binoculars shows anything. Is there any symptom of root damage, recent digging, or is one branch crossing over another and cutting ‘circulation’ off?

You have a couple options for further help. Send a section of the wilting vine with leaves attached to MSU Plant Diagnostic lab. https://pestid.msu.edu They may be able to find something you can’t see. Or, hire a certified arborist to examine the plant. These professionals have taken training in care, diseases, pests  of all woody plants including climbing hydrangea, and passed certification tests. Find certified arborists by zip code here—-

www.treesaregood.org

A reference for you-

http://www.mntreeresources.com/climbing-hydrangea1.html

I hope you can locate the problem or damage on this beautiful vine. Thanks for using our service.