Black leaves - Ask Extension
A few weeks ago, all of my hydrangeas have black leaves. What is this and what should I do?
Knowledgebase
Black leaves #898688
Asked April 25, 2025, 1:49 PM EDT
A few weeks ago, all of my hydrangeas have black leaves. What is this and what should I do?
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
These symptoms are due to cold injury from an overnight frost/freeze, even if it was some time ago at this point. The plant should grow out of the damage; leaves can't heal, but new growth emerging the rest of spring (especially once temperatures remain mild) should look normal and will help to cover-up the old injuries or discoloration. If the shrub doesn't bloom as abundantly as usual later this year, the cold snap while it was leafing-out might be responsible. We've seen several examples so far from around the state of hydrangeas with similar damage from a cold snap. Other than periodically checking the soil moisture and watering as needed due to the ongoing drought, no other intervention is needed.
Miri
Miri
