Hydrangea leaf damage - Ask Extension
Do you have any idea what is going on with my young hydrangea macrophylla. Leaves are starting out healthy & green, but know are turning tips pur...
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Hydrangea leaf damage #870220
Asked May 26, 2024, 10:53 PM EDT
Do you have any idea what is going on with my young hydrangea macrophylla. Leaves are starting out healthy & green, but know are turning tips purple then brown , crisp & dying off.
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
p.s. I had added pure aluminum sulfate in the spring. Inorganic sulfate salt. 21-0-0 hoping for blue blooms same as when I purchased and/or advertised. Proven Winners reblooming Bigleaf Hydrangea petite size "Let's Dance Blue Jangles"
Purpling of leaves is frequently a sign of stress, cultural, weather or mineral. Adding aluminum sulfate can shift the availability of Phosphorus to the plant, causing color problems. Most hydrangeas prefer a slightly acid pH, but a soil test will tell if the pH has been shifted too far. 5.2 pH is good for the blue tones usually. There are different cultivars and each has its own needs.
What is your recommendation to quickly add phosphorus to soil? I read liquid bone meal.
P is usually rather slow-acting. I am not familiar with liquid bonemeal, , but fish emulsion, is a quick feed and usually not unwise, but be aware that boosting P too much is a problem for the environment and the plant. Have you done a soil test analysis?