What is wrong with my hydrangea? - Ask Extension
Hi I am wondering if you would help me determine what is wrong with my hydrangea. To give you a little bit of background, I moved it about 2 years ag...
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What is wrong with my hydrangea? #879457
Asked July 30, 2024, 4:10 PM EDT
Hi I am wondering if you would help me determine what is wrong with my hydrangea. To give you a little bit of background, I moved it about 2 years ago. Last year, I probably did not water it enough. However, the hydrangea next to it is thriving (see picture).
Did it get too much water this year? I have been using some fertilizer (twice this year).
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Most hydrangeas in the Twin Cities area have responded beautifully to the abundant rain, so rain itself probably doesn't account for the plant's condition. However, if it's rooted in a spot that isn't well-drained, too much water could be a factor.
Was the plant that's growing well moved at the same time? If so, it's difficult to explain the disparity.
It often takes established plants two or more years to adjust to a move. Following is information about transplant shock and its effects.
https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/ppfs-or-w-19.pdf
Was the plant that's growing well moved at the same time? If so, it's difficult to explain the disparity.
It often takes established plants two or more years to adjust to a move. Following is information about transplant shock and its effects.
https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/ppfs-or-w-19.pdf
Thank you your answer. The problem with your argument about drainage and water is that the plant next to it was moved at the same time.
The move could be a factor definitely! Any other reasons you can think of? And any advice ?
Thank you!
Andrea
On Jul 30, 2024, at 7:31 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Although we can't see much detail, the plant in the photo appears to be stunted, but without dieback or wilting.
Wilt is usually associated with too much or too little water.
What the roots look like is another matter. Root disease or nematodes could be at work. After onsite inspection a tree/shrub care specialist (certified arborist) might be able to diagnose the problem.
Fertilizer isn't likely to benefit the plant until it begins to recover from whatever is ailing it.
As for advice-- The plant still has potential. Consider how much you value it. Then continue to provide the best care you can and patiently wait to see how it fares. (Asking an arborist to assess the plant's health is a "best care" practice.)
Following is a reply to a similar question:
https://www.torontomastergardeners.ca/askagardener/annabelle-hydrangea-has-stunted-growth/
Wilt is usually associated with too much or too little water.
What the roots look like is another matter. Root disease or nematodes could be at work. After onsite inspection a tree/shrub care specialist (certified arborist) might be able to diagnose the problem.
Fertilizer isn't likely to benefit the plant until it begins to recover from whatever is ailing it.
As for advice-- The plant still has potential. Consider how much you value it. Then continue to provide the best care you can and patiently wait to see how it fares. (Asking an arborist to assess the plant's health is a "best care" practice.)
Following is a reply to a similar question:
https://www.torontomastergardeners.ca/askagardener/annabelle-hydrangea-has-stunted-growth/
