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Hydrangea leaves turning brown #871322

Asked June 03, 2024, 1:48 PM EDT

What does my hydrangea have? Haas Halo hydrangea was received by mail about 4 weeks ago. Planted in pot on my deck. Has looked healthy until the past week when notice copper-colored marks and then brown areas that are curling and wrinkled. What do I do?

Kent County Michigan

Expert Response

Good Morning,
Looks like leaf scorch.  Leaf scorch on hydrangea is a common physiological problem. Typical symptoms include yellowing leaves, or irregular dry, brown blotches. Leaf tips and margins may turn brown, as well. Severely damaged leaves may drop from the plant. Leaf scorch results when the leaves lose water faster than it can be supplied by the roots, so wilting may occur before scorch is noticed. Common causes include inadequate watering, exposure to strong light (sunlight or reflected light), high temperatures, or dry, windy conditions. Scorch can also occur as a result of damaged roots or stems, such as from an injury, compacted soils, or overwatering or overfertilization.


Hydrangea: Leaf scorch | Hortsense | Washington State University (wsu.edu)


Another possibility could be aphids.  Look at the bottom of the distorted leaves for aphids. Their feeding can distort the leaves, too. Aphids can be controlled by spraying both sides of leaves with insecticidal soap (a garden product, not dish soap) or a few other garden products. Here is detailed info on aphids- https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/aphids-on-deciduous-trees-and-shrubs/


I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.
V/r, Replied June 04, 2024, 6:32 AM EDT
Thank you for the information.  When I tried to diagnose it by looking online, I thought it might be a fungus.  But your answer makes sense - it's been in full sun and dries out quickly since it's in a pot. 
Thanks again, Rebecca


From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Tuesday, June 4, 2024 6:32:11 AM
To: Rebecca Antrim <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Hydrangea leaves turning brown (#0141242)
 
The Question Asker Replied June 04, 2024, 10:01 AM EDT
You're welcome.
V/r, Replied June 04, 2024, 12:59 PM EDT

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