My Hydrangeas Are Turning Brown; Why?

This article discusses the common causes of hydrangea flowers turning brown prematurely, which can be fixed by catching it early. Insufficient water is one of the most common reasons for fading and browning of the flowers, while high sunlight and wind exposure can also contribute to this issue. Overfertilizing with the wrong type of fertilizer or leaf spot can also cause the leaves to lose more moisture than the roots can draw up. Excess wind saps moisture away from the leaves, causing them to turn brown.

Incorrect conditions or one wrong move on your part can drastically affect the health and well-being of your hydrangeas, and you may even find that their flowerheads are browning. Hydrangeas prefer consistently moist soil, and improper watering can lead to stress on the plant. Two main causes of hydrangea flowers turning brown quickly are exposure to hot sun and frequent splashing of water on the flowers.

Drought stress can cause flowers to turn brown earlier than normal, as can over-fertilization or excessive aluminum sulfate in the soil. To prevent browning, water these shrubs deeply every few days in the heat of the summer. Additionally, sunlight and soil can also have an effect.

Brown leaves on hydrangeas indicate a lack of water and stress from high temperatures. Additionally, sunlight and soil can also have an effect. It’s just the blooms dying at the end of summer, but it’s completely normal. The most likely reason for hydrangea flowers turning brown is a lack of water. Hydrangea shrubs are moisture lovers and need a regular source of water to look healthy. If a hydrangea is in a location where the sun is hitting the flowers from 11 AM to 3 PM, they will brown faster than those in shade.

What does a hydrangea look like with too much sun?

Sunlight sensitivity is a significant concern for plants, as excessive direct sunlight can cause leaves to turn crispy brown at the edges, affecting their health and ability to produce show-stopping blooms. Seasonal sun considerations are crucial, as the intensity of the sun changes year-round, and plants should be aware of these changes. Signs of sun damage in French hydrangea include wilting leaves, crisp edges, and brittle, discolored blooms. These symptoms can indicate sunburn or heat stress, and it is essential to monitor the sun’s intensity and location to ensure the health and longevity of your plants.

How to protect hydrangeas from too much sun?

To ensure the health and growth of hydrangeas, it is essential to provide them with the right amount of shade. This can be achieved through plant placement, using shade cloth for existing plants, and using taller plants or shrubs to provide natural shade. Additionally, maintaining healthy soil is crucial for hydrangeas to thrive. To test the pH level of the soil, adjust it if necessary using garden lime or sulfur. Incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve its structure and water retention capabilities.

Finally, aerate the soil around the hydrangeas occasionally to prevent compaction and promote better water infiltration. By following these guidelines, you can ensure the health and growth of your hydrangeas.

Will hydrangeas come back after turning brown?

If hydrangeas exhibit browning, it is possible to reverse this process if the condition is identified and treated before the onset of weather-related damage. Nevertheless, once the plant has reached the point of complete browning, it is no longer possible to implement any further corrective measures. In the event that the hydrangea is a repeat bloomer, it would be advisable to modify the level of care provided and to postpone the onset of browning on the second flush of flowers.

How to get hydrangeas to perk up?

To prevent wilted hydrangea blooms, give them an ice bath by filling a sink with ice cold water and submerging the entire stem, flower head, and leaves for at least a couple of hours or overnight. Prepping your hydrangeas before cutting ensures they stay fresh from the start. Grow ideal varieties, such as bigleaf, oakleaf, and panicle hydrangeas, which are naturally better suited to producing wilt-resistant flowers. Some versions like lacecaps are less likely to last, while bigleaf, oakleaf, and panicle hydrangeas offer the best staying power when cut fresh.

How do you fix brown leaves on hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas can turn brown if they wilt too often in hot weather. To prevent this, water them deeply every few days and mulch around them to hold moisture in the soil. Avoid daily watering and avoid getting leaves and flowers wet, as this promotes leaf-spot fungus that will brown both leaves and flowers. If your hydrangeas have brown flowers, remove them by snipping just under the browned flower, improving the plant’s appearance and promoting more flower production for re-blooming varieties.

How do I get my hydrangeas color back?

The pH level of the soil affects the color of the blooms produced by hydrangeas. In acidic soil, the blooms take on a blue or lavender hue, while in alkaline soil, they display pink and red tones. At a pH level between 6 and 7, the blooms will assume a purple or bluish-pink hue. This effect can be mitigated by the addition of sulfur or aluminum sulfate to the soil.

How to tell if hydrangea is over or underwatered?

To ascertain the moisture content of the soil in which hydrangeas are cultivated, one may insert a pencil or finger to determine whether the soil is excessively moist or arid. In the event that the soil exhibits a malodorous, decomposing odor, it is imperative to address the issues of inadequate drainage and inadequate soil preparation. The Endless Summer planting and care guide provides valuable insight into the cultivation of healthy hydrangeas.

Should I cut dead leaves off hydrangea?

Pruning hydrangeas is essential for their growth and blooming, but it’s not necessary to keep them shorter throughout the season. Cutting off flower buds isn’t effective, as pruning stimulates new growth. Instead, transplant too-large, still-dormant hydrangeas to a new spot in early spring and replace them with a variety that naturally stays shorter. It’s important to make your cut just above a set of large, healthy leaves, and don’t make the mistake of pruning throughout the season to keep them longer.

How to revive dying hydrangeas?

To revive hydrangeas, it is recommended to water them again within a day or two. Alternatively, submerging the plant in water and allowing it to dry out, followed by rehydration the following day, may prove an effective method.

What does an overwatered hydrangea look like?

Overwatered hydrangeas can be identified by yellow or brown leaves, wilted or drooping leaves, wilted or fewer flowers, mold around the plant, and root rot. These signs indicate that the plant is overwatered and is not producing enough water. If the leaves appear heavy and mushy, it may be overwatered. If the plant is consistently wet, mold around it may also indicate overwatering. If the signs are hard to see, it is likely that root rot is present. It is possible to remove wilted hydrangea blooms, which triggers the plant to stop producing seeds and encourages root and foliage development. Overwatering can be repaired by following these steps:

1. Remove the wilted blooms.
2. Re-pot the plant.
3. Re-pot the plant.
4. Re-water the plant as needed.
5. Re-pot the plant as needed.\n7

What does a sick hydrangea look like?

The fungus can manifest as brown, withered flower masses, affect flower buds, and cause leaf spots when infected petals fall on them. The disease’s development is favored by cool, humid, and wet conditions.