I love hydrangeas, so I’ve planted several varieties in our garden over the past few years. Usually, at this time of year, my garden is blooming with puffball flowers of various shades, but this year has been a little different.
I have noticed that my mophead hydrangea in my front border is struggling. Its once-pristine white flowers have begun to develop brown spots, with some petals looking dry and shriveled around the edges. I thought it might be because it was just finished flowering, but with so many of its blooms changing color at once, I suspected something else was going on.
After talking to a few gardening experts, it turns out there are several reasons Why is my hydrangeas turning brown?And thanks to this summer’s prolonged warm weather, they say More hydrangeas are turning brown than ever. So, I don’t think I’m alone! Here’s his advice on why it’s happening and what to do about it.
My poor hydrangea with its brown petals
(Image credit: Future/Jenny McFarlane)
1. Heat and strong sunlight
If your hydrangea was blooming beautifully before suddenly developing brown, papery petals during a spell of warm weather, heat stress Maybe to blame.
‘When we are experiencing heatwave conditions, intense, direct sunlight is likely to cause hydrangeas to turn brown,’ explains Lucy Bradley, gardening expert. Easy Garden Irrigation. Hydrangea flowers are particularly delicate, she says mophead and lacecap varietiesWith tissue-paper-thin petals that dry quickly when exposed to prolonged sunlight.
(Image credit: Future/Jenny McFarlane)
It’s not just the flowers that suffer either. Those crispy brown edges can shrivel, curl and develop when leaves are exposed to too much direct sun or drying wind, Lucy says.
That certainly sounds like what happened to me. While the shrub itself still looks healthy, it is browning before the blooms that catch the strongest afternoon sun.
Joe McGarry, luxury garden design expert Caragh NurseryAgree that placement makes a lot of difference. ‘Hydrangeas do best in the hottest part of the day with morning sun and some shade. Very strong afternoon sun can burn flowers and leaves, causing those brown patches.’
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2. Hydrangeas are thirstier than you think
Recent dry weather has also taken care Hydrangea in a heatwave Priority, and especially, watering is more important than usual.
Lucy explains that hydrangeas have relatively shallow roots, making them particularly vulnerable when the soil dries out. During prolonged hot spells, they lose moisture from their leaves faster than they can replace it, causing the plant to go into survival mode. While many hydrangeas recover overnight after drying out, repeated drought stress will eventually cause the flowers and foliage to turn brown and stiff.
Richard Barker, Horticulturist LBS HorticultureLack of water is said to be one of the biggest causes of hydrangea flower wilting in summer. ‘Hydrangeas are moisture-loving plants, and most varieties will need deep, frequent watering during the summer to prevent wilting. A lack of water can quickly turn the flowers brown, as the plant needs constant moisture to maintain its flowers.’
(Image credit: Getty Images / Simon McGill)
He adds that brown leaf tips often accompany brown flowers and recommends aiming for about an inch of water per week during dry periods. While a damaged bloom will not recover, Regularity of watering Anyone can help protect flowers that are still healthy.
The best thing you can do is give it to them Deep wateringInstead of spraying on the surface, especially during dry periods. Adding a layer of mulch (we like RocketGro’s Magic Mulch, £14.99 at Amazon) can help retain soil moisture around the base of the plant for longer periods of time.’
Hydrangea care requirements
3. Other causes worth checking
While heat and drought are the most likely explanations this year, experts say there are some other possibilities.
Lucy warns that overfeeding can cause compost burn, especially if you’ve applied a feed that’s high in nitrogen. This results in mostly green growth with brown, crispy leaf edges and fewer flowers.
She also says Fungal diseases Like leaf spot (which I think my plants have), botrytis blight and anthracnose can leave brown spots on leaves and flowers. However, because these diseases thrive in warm, wet and humid conditions, they are much less likely to occur in dry weather. Plants that are already heat stressed may still be susceptible, however, especially if they are watered from above and the foliage remains wet.
(Image credit: Getty Images / Assobinin)
Richard also recommends checking carefully for insects if water and sunlight aren’t a problem.
‘Hydrangeas can often be targeted by Aphid And Spider miteswhich can damage flowers, leaves and stems,’ he says. Spider mites can be hard to spot, so look for fine webbing and dusty residue under leaves. Neem oil or insecticidal soap (this is easy The spray version is easy to use, £14.99 at Amazon) can help prevent the spread of infestation.
(Image credit: Getty Images/ Jorens Seans)
What am I doing to help my hydrangea recover?
Lucy recommends checking soil moisture regularly before watering and directing water to the base of the plant rather than the leaves. He also suggests applying a layer of 5 – 8 cm Organic mulchSuch as compost, leaf mold or Strulch (from £19.99 at Thompson & Morgan)To keep the soil cool and reduce moisture loss.
Because my bush sits in a particularly sunny spot during the afternoon, I’ll also try to give it some temporary shade whenever another heatwave hits. Lucy says that keeping a patio parasol nearby between 10am and 4pm or hanging an old sheet or shade netting over the plants can also help prevent over-burning. You too can choose this cute little one Plant umbrellas, £11.54 at Amazon.
He also recommends removing brown flowers completely using clean bypass secateurs (we really rate these Japanese Kimura secateurs, £24.99 at Amazon), cut just above the first healthy pair of buds or leaves. Similarly, more than half of the brown leaves can be removed, but any that are green enough to continue producing energy for the plant should be left.
If your Hydrangeas grow in containersJust moving it to a shader position can make a significant difference. For shrubs planted in borders, however, Lucy recommends waiting until fall before transplanting them, as moving stressed hydrangeas during the summer can cause transplant shock.
As frustrating as it is to see my once-white flowers turn brown, I take comfort in knowing that it’s probably a response to this summer’s warm weather. With plenty of deep water, My favorite green grass And with a little sun protection, I hope my bush will be healthy and ready to put on another cloud-like display next year.
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