Dying Leaves on Limelight Hydrangea

2 years ago

Below is a photo of a Limelight Hydrangea that is growing in morning sun and afternoon shade in zone 6b in South Central Kansas (SC KS). As you can see, there is some chlorosis of the upper leaves but besides that they seem quite healthy. However, the lower leaves appear to be dying. It has been quite hot and dry here in SC KS, so I have been watering this shrub about twice a week. Has anyone experienced this situation with panicle hydrangeas before? What could be going on with this shrub?

Comments (5)

luis_pr
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
During the summer months, it is quite common for paniculatas like Limelight to "show their feet" by dropping leaves from the lower parts by yellowing. Once climatic and soil conditions improve, they will stop. Remember that the roots are in the top 4" and that area dries easily.

Things that may help you: maintain the soil as evenly moist as you can to a depth of 4" and maintain 2-4" of organic mulch (no rocks) all year around.

To see if the plant needs water, insert a finger into the soil to depth of 4" and water if it feels dry or almost dry.

To see if you gave it enough water: water as soon as it is appropriate; wait a while for the water to drain; insert a finger into several spots around the plant to a depth of 8" and see if it feels dry, moist or soggy. If it feels dry, you may have missed a spot or you might need to use more water.

As soon as temperatures typically reach 85F or more, consider increasing the amount of water per plant to "Summer watering levels" from "Spring watering levels".
Tim
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you. Part of the problem may have been that our temperature here went from the upper 70's and low 80's to high 90's and low 100's in less than a week and then stayed that way for about 1 1/2 weeks. We don't usually hit those temperatures around here until July.
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luis_pr
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Ugh, I understand that... here in Texas. :o( We reached 100F four times in the last week.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
2 years ago
you dont mention.. but if it was transplanted this spring. it also the after affect of that process ...

water deeply .. properly.. and infrequently ... according to weather... and what the plant needs ...

a good mulch covering the bare soil will help temper not only evaporation.. but soil temps ...

ken
Tim
Original Author
2 years ago
It's a four year old shrub. I transplanted it from another place in my yard during the Spring of 2020, because it was blocking a water spigot.