Whats wrong with my hydrangea?
4 years ago
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- 4 years ago
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what is wrong with my hydrangea(s)
Comments (8)I don't think it is either too much sun or not enuf water - I think what you are looking at is cold damage. Open flowers on any type of bigleaf hydrangea now in the PNW is an indication that the plants are either greenhouse grown or from out of state. And the OP indicates these are NOT greenhouse grown plants. At my nursery, we get a lot of plants from California that are well ahead of our local bloom season - hydrangeas here do not start blooming until the end of June or early July. If they came from out of state, they may have not had sufficient time to become acclimated to our colder climate. And our PNW spring weather has been colder and wetter than normal - a relatively mild frost about a week and half ago nipped all the CA hydrangeas we had on the nursery floor and they ALL have an appearance very similar to the OP's - purplish foliage and crispy flowers and leaves. And while it may be warmer daytime in the WW-Milton-Freewater than it is here in western WA, I'd be willing to bet nighttime temps are still pretty chilly. If it is cold damage, they will come back from that rather easily, although you may need to trim off the damaged portions....See MoreHelp! What's wrong with my Hydrangea?
Comments (0)Hi, I have a beautiful old hydrangea, it was here when we moved in 8 years ago and was well established then. Its in a protected spot and has always bloomed beautifully. This year I noticed there was less foliage than usual and there are lots of smallish flower heads instead of the usual large fluffy ones. Now all the flowers are turning brown, but not really dry, they look dirty. I found a couple of leaves that have brown spots that could be anthracnose, but I think I would have expected more leaf damage. Here's a link to some pics. Please let me know if you have any ideas. Thanks! Hydrangea Pics...See MoreWhat Is Wrong With My Hydrangea? (pictures)
Comments (7)Hello, mohicansong. Difficult question... It depends on several things... like, how many invisible fungal spores have spread into the plant leaves, soil and stems. These spores can germinate and spread the spots further. It also depends on the weather in your city and garden. If the plant is kept under humid conditions (because it rains a lot there, because the plant leaves get sprayed with water a lot, because the soil is kept too wet, etc) then the spores can flourish and spread. Finally, it also depends on the actual type of fungus that is causing the spots. There are some minor fungal infections that we can live without, specially once the summer arrives and the weather is drier. But other infections, like cercospora, re-occur every year and can be a chore because you can only treat them, not cure them. If you want to get one of those plants, I would try to get the nursery to give you a lower price since the plants are no longer in optimum condition and either they (or the wholeseller) caused the fungal infection. Since it is a risky buy, the lower price will compensate you for it. What you can do next is try to minimize the possibility of further development by the spores. Water the soil and not the leaves. Replace mulch that may be contaminated with spores. Separate the plant from others so there is good air movement (which will makes things drier for the spores). Water only when the soil feels dry. Any plant debris (leaves, blooms, etc) should be thrown into the trash and not composted. Either way you decide, good luck. Luis...See MoreWhats wrong with my hydrangea leaves?
Comments (2)I would check for the possibility of both, too much sun and-or mineral deficiency. The deficiency could be triggered by a pH problem so check that as well (it could be too acidic or not have enough nitrigen, for example). Plant nurseries sell kits that may help you check out both of these things. There is a soil pH kit and a kit that checks for too much or not enough nitrogen. They are not too accurate but you just need to know if things are out of kilter. From the pictures though, it appears as if the leaves in direct contact with the sun are turning all yellow and that is what happened to one of my hydrangeas when the Crape Myrtle that provided shade had damage from a hail storm. Opportunistic fungal infections can then arise and discolor parts of the leaves. I added a makeshift structure to give shade. But test the soil too as a precaution. Luis...See More- 4 years ago
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