How to revive a hydrangea plant - Ask Extension
I have had a hydrangea shrub (endless summer) for over 5 years. This is the first year it did not come back. What use to be a beautiful shrub with blu...
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How to revive a hydrangea plant #877864
Asked July 18, 2024, 9:24 PM EDT
I have had a hydrangea shrub (endless summer) for over 5 years. This is the first year it did not come back. What use to be a beautiful shrub with blue cluster flower has only 4 small leaves this year. Is it going to come back next year? is there anything I can do to help it live again? should I just pull it and accept its demise? It resides east facing at the front of the house. Sun and shade.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
It looks like some of the shrub is still alive, since it has sent up some new growth. If the roots haven’t rotted it, that is, it will probably take several years to be as big as a new shrub in a 5 gallon pot.
It needs moist but never soggy soil. Paying close attention to its water needs are all that can be done.
It needs moist but never soggy soil. Paying close attention to its water needs are all that can be done.
How do you know or what can I do to see if the root is rotted? With so much rain, it could possibly be a reason. With so much rain, I have not been watering it at all this year.
Very gently with a small tool excavate under the plant and look for roots. Or, wait and see if it continues to grow. Check soil moisture 1 inch deep and water if it’s dry. Do this every day. Keep the soil moist but not wet. Often depending on the location, if there hasn’t been any rain for a couple of days plants will need water.
