Dying hydrangeas - Ask Extension
Hello!
I planted these Little Lime Punch hydrangeas last fall and they’ve been doing really well until this past week. Nearly all of the leaves o...
Knowledgebase
Dying hydrangeas #876006
Asked July 05, 2024, 1:47 PM EDT
Hello!
I planted these Little Lime Punch hydrangeas last fall and they’ve been doing really well until this past week. Nearly all of the leaves on one bush have turned brown, curled, and fallen off. I’m starting to notice it happening to the rest of them (6 total) as well. A plant app suggested treating with copper fungicide, which I sprayed a few days ago (the blue color you may notice). These bushes were quite an investment and I’d like to make sure I’m treating them right. They are east facing along my foundation and get 3-4 hours of morning sun, otherwise shaded. I water them with a hose ~once a week when we haven’t gotten decent rain. Is there anything else I should treat them with?
Thanks!!
Mandy
Frederick County Maryland
Expert Response
We are sorry to hear/see your new Hydrangeas are struggling and hope that you can save them.
In this case your plant app was wrong, and spraying your stressed plants with a fungicide, especially on hot, dry conditions likely burned those leaves. (Hydrangeas often get some leaf spots later in the season which are not really of concern for plant health and don't need to be treated). (Fungicides in general are rarely recommended because they are not curative and need to be repeated).
It has been very hot and dry for several weeks and your Hydrangeas are still growing roots and are establishing. 'Hydra' in the name means water, and that is what your plants need.
You don't mention how or how much you water, but once a week may not be enough under current conditions.
It's important to manually make sure that the water is getting to the root area by using a screwdriver and your finger to feel the soil near the roots and make sure that it feels cool and moist. Check regularly. A long, slow, deep drink is best.
Make sure that the mulch is less than 3" too or you may just be wetting the mulch. Keep mulch pulled back from contact with the stems/trunks/crowns of plants.
Here is our watering information to help:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs/
If their roots are healthy they may be able to grow new leaves and thrive.
Christine
In this case your plant app was wrong, and spraying your stressed plants with a fungicide, especially on hot, dry conditions likely burned those leaves. (Hydrangeas often get some leaf spots later in the season which are not really of concern for plant health and don't need to be treated). (Fungicides in general are rarely recommended because they are not curative and need to be repeated).
It has been very hot and dry for several weeks and your Hydrangeas are still growing roots and are establishing. 'Hydra' in the name means water, and that is what your plants need.
You don't mention how or how much you water, but once a week may not be enough under current conditions.
It's important to manually make sure that the water is getting to the root area by using a screwdriver and your finger to feel the soil near the roots and make sure that it feels cool and moist. Check regularly. A long, slow, deep drink is best.
Make sure that the mulch is less than 3" too or you may just be wetting the mulch. Keep mulch pulled back from contact with the stems/trunks/crowns of plants.
Here is our watering information to help:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs/
If their roots are healthy they may be able to grow new leaves and thrive.
Christine
