Drought & Hydrangeas - Ask Extension
We have almost no rainfall in weeks (south of Towson University, a mile north of county-city line). The combination of drought and extreme heat has ta...
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Drought & Hydrangeas #877270
Asked July 15, 2024, 11:06 AM EDT
We have almost no rainfall in weeks (south of Towson University, a mile north of county-city line). The combination of drought and extreme heat has taken a toll. For example, a "mophead" Hydrangea that had gorgeous blooms two weeks ago has turned brown. (Yes, I've watered it but probably not enough). Other mopheads look stressed. (Mopheads in more shaded areas seem OK and the amazing Oak Leaf Hydrangeas look great.) What should I do with the brown Hydrangea? Prune? Let it be until cooler weather?
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
Mophead hydrangeas really do best in dappled shade and out of the most intense afternoon sun. The 'hydra' in their name it tells of how much they appreciate water. It's not abnormal for them to droop a bit in high heat. Add in the multiple days of high 90's and and lack of rain and stressed plants can be harmed.
We wouldn't do anything right now other than offer supplemental water.
Here is our watering information:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs/
A layer of mulch, no more than 3 inches deep and kept pulled back from stems helps keep soil more moist and cool, and it is often helpful to follow the instructions in the link above to manually check that the water is getting to the root area where you think it is.
Christine
We wouldn't do anything right now other than offer supplemental water.
Here is our watering information:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs/
A layer of mulch, no more than 3 inches deep and kept pulled back from stems helps keep soil more moist and cool, and it is often helpful to follow the instructions in the link above to manually check that the water is getting to the root area where you think it is.
Christine
