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hydrangea losing leaves in summer

by Alessandro Swaniawski Published 4 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Hydrangea Leaves Falling Off – 8 Reason (with Solution)

  • 1 . Underwatered Your Hydrangeas are not getting enough water or soil is being dry most of the time which results in...
  • 2 . Too Much SUNLIGHT When Hydrangeas are under water because of hot summer then you should change the location of the...
  • 3 . Excessive Watering We have discussed how underwatering can lead to...
  • 8 . Pests

Foliage loss in spring or summer is not normal for hydrangeas. Therefore, leaf loss is almost always caused by environmental factors such as changes in temperature, watering issues, sun exposure or diseases.

Full Answer

How to make hydrangeas last longer?

How to make your hydrangeas last longer: Add sugar to room temperature water (sugar feeds the stems) Add soap to room temperature water in the vase (soap keeps bacteria away) Remove the leaves (they take up a lot of water) Cut the stems on an angle and cut up the stem (they can soak up more water)

Do Hydrangea lose its leaves in the winter?

Most hydrangeas are deciduous, and it is quite normal for them to lose their leaves in the late fall to winter. As soon as the spring days warm up, you should see the buds starting to swell and to leaf out.

Why is my Hydrangea dying?

The most common reasons hydrangea need reviving are:

  • Drooping hydrangea due to drought, too much sun and fast draining soil.
  • Some hydrangea leaves turning yellow and dry due to too much direct sun.
  • Leaves of the hydrangea turning brown or black due to a late frost.
  • Recently planted hydrangea dying due to transplant shock.
  • Root rot due to saturated, boggy soil or pots without proper drainage.

More items...

Do hydrangeas lose their leaves?

Most varieties of hydrangeas lose their leaves in the late fall and look dead throughout winter. There are called deciduous varieties. Others keep their leaves year-round. There are many different varieties of hydrangeas. Some will flower on both old and new wood, whereas others will only bloom on new or old wood.

How do you keep hydrangeas alive in the summer?

If you want to keep your outdoor hydrangea plants looking nice, be sure to water them and prune them regularly. For cut hydrangea stems, try dipping the tips in alum spice powder, changing the vase water regularly, and dunking the hydrangea blooms in lukewarm water.

Why are my hydrangeas leaves turning yellow and falling off?

Hydrangea leaves turn yellow due to overwatering, too much direct sunlight, or nutrient deficiency. To fix the yellow leaves, move the plant to a shaded area and drain excess water from the pot. Feed the plant with an iron supplement and nitrogen fertilizer to keep leaves green and healthy.

How do you revive a hydrangea bush?

To revive hydrangeas water them generously, apply a mulch of compost and protect hydrangeas from direct sun and too much wind. Prune back any frost damaged or sun burnt growth to promote healthy growth.

Why are my hydrangea leaves turning brown and falling off?

Key Takeaways: Hydrangea leaves and flowers turn brown due to drought, excessive wind and too much sun. Hydrangea prefer to grow in sheltered areas with dappled sun, in moist soils and protected from wind. Not enough moisture around the roots causing the hydrangea leaves and flowers to wilt and turn brown.

Why are the leaves dropping off my hydrangea?

Do Hydrangeas Lose Their Leaves & Stems in the Fall? Yes, because hydrangeas are deciduous perennials, they lose their leaves and their new, soft growths in the fall as the plant enters a dormancy phase that lasts from fall to spring. Therefore, this is a natural cause of foliage loss that should not cause concern.

Why did the leaves fall off my hydrangea?

Watering too little is something that can cause the leaves to drop, but so is watering the plant too much. Essentially, you can kill the hydrangeas if you give them way more water than you're supposed to. Hydrangeas aren't going to do well if you don't plant them in soil that has adequate drainage.

How do I know if my hydrangea is overwatered?

An overwatered Hydrangea will have yellowing leaves that may fall off prematurely. It will also produce fewer buds and its blooms will be misshapen. And in severe cases of overwatering a Hydrangea will have brown, wilted leaves.

What does baking soda do for hydrangeas?

0:263:27Put Baking Soda On Your Garden Plants and This will HappenYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe baking soda will be absorbed into the soil. And lowers the acidity level of tomatoes thus.MoreThe baking soda will be absorbed into the soil. And lowers the acidity level of tomatoes thus. Giving you sweeter then tart flavor 3 give plants a boost mix.

Is it normal for hydrangeas to wilt in the heat?

Heat and Wilt Sometimes, even with enough water, hydrangeas can wilt as a result of heat. High summer temperatures — over 86 degrees Fahrenheit — can stress plants out. While hydrangeas enjoy sunshine, too much direct sun can cause the soil to overheat, stressing the plant and causing it to wilt.

Should I cut the brown leaves off my hydrangea?

Prune off the ugliest leaves, and adjust your irrigation to keep water off the leaves. When you see leaves with brown or yellowish spots, it could be anthracnose, a much worse issue because it can kill the shrub.

Should I cut off burnt hydrangea leaves?

Should you prune heat-damaged leaves? Sometimes it's best to wait. The reason to wait before cutting plants back is that pruning stimulates new growth from lower down on the stem. Fresh new growth is soft and quite likely to be burnt or even killed by high temperatures and a lack of water.

How do I know if my hydrangea is dying?

The most common symptom is a wilting of the leaves and flowers of the hydrangea. Often the stress of being transplanted is exacerbated by planting during Summer in hot and dry weather as the hydrangea's roots cannot draw up moisture fast enough to support the hydrangeas large leaves causing them to wilt and turn brown.

1 – Not Watering the Plant Enough

Not watering the plant enough could be the cause of the leaves dropping. When you don’t water these shrubs as much as you’re supposed to, they’re going to start showing signs that they aren’t well.

2 – Watering Too Much

Watering too little is something that can cause the leaves to drop, but so is watering the plant too much. Essentially, you can kill the hydrangeas if you give them way more water than you’re supposed to.

3 – Too Much Sun Exposure

Too much sun exposure could cause the leaves to drop. Hydrangeas certainly do need sunlight as all other plants do, but too much of it winds up being a negative thing.

4 – Transplant Shock Issues

Transplant shock issues can sometimes cause the leaves to drop. It can be tough for hydrangeas to adapt to environmental changes.

5 – Frost Damage

Frost damage could be to blame for the leaves dropping. This happens when you get weather that you didn’t expect in the spring.

6 – Pests

Pests are sometimes going to cause leaves to fall. Severe infestations might be enough to cause the leaves to drop eventually, but this usually won’t be a big deal for these plants.

7 – Fungal Infection

Fungal infection has been known to be tied to leaf dropping. When you water the plant too much, it can create an environment where fungus can grow.

Why are my hydrangeas losing leaves?

Hydrangeas losing their leaves because of sunburn is especially common in hydrangeas that have been grown indoors. The sudden exposure to direct sunlight can have this effect on hydrangeas. 3. Overwatering. It’s not just dehydration that’s to blame for leaves falling off your hydrangea.

How to prevent leaf loss from hydrangeas?

To prevent leaf loss caused by watering issues, make sure you plant your hydrangea in a location where water will percolate easily and not sit around the roots. Keep the soil moist and water more frequently in summer heat waves.

Why is it important to water hydrangeas?

Because watering and location influence how well your hydrangea grows and develops , it’s important to get them right. Likewise, frost, diseases, transplant shock can also cause foliage loss.

How to keep hydrangeas from spreading?

Keep the shrubs well aerated (trimming, removing spent blooms, removing dead canes, etc.) to reduce the incidence of fungal diseases. Plant hydrangea shrubs at a 4-6 feet distance from one another to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

Why do my hydrangeas' leaves fall off?

There are several things that can cause your hydrangea’s leaves to fall off including: 1. Dehydration. The leaves of hydrangeas that are constantly under-watered can turn yellow, become droopy, and fall off. The soil of your hydrangeas should be kept moist.

Why do hydrangeas rot?

Sometimes it’s the opposite that causes trouble — overwatering. When constantly overwatered or if planted in soil with poor drainage, a hydrangea’s roots may start to rot, cutting off the supply of nutrients to leaves and blooms.

Why do my leaves lose their leaves?

Likewise, frost, diseases, transplant shock can also cause foliage loss. Depending on the severity of the problem, leaves may take a while to grow back and blooming may be affected too. In cases of root rot or severe dehydration, leaf loss may not be the only issue.

How to treat brown leaves on hydrangeas?

How To Treat Edges of Hydrangea Leaves Turning Brown. Thoroughly flush the hydrangea soil with water whether it is in a pot or in the ground. This should remove most of the salts from the soil. Then do not water the hydrangea for a day or two until the soil is slightly dry on the surface. Then water the plant as usual.

What are the spots on my hydrangea leaves?

Fungal Leaf Spots on Hydrangea Leaves. There are two types of fungal diseases can infect hydrangeas - cercospora leaf spot and anthracnose. 1a. Cercospora Leaf Spot (also known as Cercospora hydrangea), is typically brown or purple colored spots at the base of the plant.

What does powdery mildew look like on hydrangeas?

This is another common problem that is easy to identify. Powdery mildew on hydrangeas will often look like a pale gray, powdery coating on the leaves. This is also a fungus that spread through spores.

Why are my hydrangeas turning yellow?

When one observes yellowing and browning leaf edges and leaf tips a day or two after the plant has been fertilized, the roots may have been burned. Aluminum sulfate, which is sometimes added to the soil to change the color of hydrangea blooms, also can cause root damage if applied too liberally.

Why is my hydrangea still in the pot?

The three most likely causes are: (1) the plant has become too dry. (2) the plant has been kept too wet.

What is the color of the hydrangea plant?

Similar to cercospora, this will typically start at the base of the plant on the lower leaves, and will be either purple or red in color. The spots by the veins will become angular. This type of bacteria primarily impact Hydrangea quercifolia, arborescens and macrophylla.

How to recover a hydrangea from dry roots?

If a plant has been allowed to dry out, the first step to recovery is to thoroughly water the entire root ball. If it is still in a pot, try setting the plant in a tub of water up to the rim until the dry roots have been completely soaked. Then allow the hydrangea to drain freely.

Why do my sage leaves turn brown?

Try to maintain the soil as constantly moist as you can. Periods of dry followed by wet are not good and can make the leaves turn brown starting at the edges. But they normally should not fall down while still green. They may stay green and crumble if they loose moisture thru the leaves faster than it can be replaced thru the roots.

Do hydrangea leaves drop?

The hydrangea leaves are starting to turn brown in spots and then drop. A lot of the leaves on the ground still look fairly healthy and green, but some are curling up and dropping. Way more leaves on the ground than there should be this time of year.

Why are my hydrangea leaves turning yellow?

Some hydrangea leaves turning yellow and dry due to too much direct sun. Leaves of the hydrangea turning brown or black due to a late frost. Recently planted hydrangea dying due to transplant shock. Root rot due to saturated, boggy soil or pots without proper drainage. Hydrangea dying due to being planted in a pot or container that is too small. ...

How to revive a frost damaged hydrangea?

All that is required to revive frost damaged hydrangeas is to carefully prune back any growth that has been significantly damaged with a pair of pruners at the shoots (avoid cutting back into wood) and this will promote new healthy growth over the Summer.

How to revive a hydrangea that is suffering transplant shock?

In terms of reviving a hydrangea that is suffering transplant shock the best thing you can do is to provide the optimal growing conditions for hydrangeas and wait for the hydrangea to adjust to its new location. Hydrangeas require lots of good compost when planting for optimal soil structure, moisture and nutrients.

What is the best soil for hydrangeas?

Compost and leaf mould have an excellent capacity for retain water which is the optimal soil conditions for hydrangeas and counteract fast draining sandy soil. Apply a mulch around your hydrangea with a one inch layer of compost, leaf mould or well rotted manure.

Why do hydrangeas have shallow roots?

Hydrangeas have a fibrous and reasonably shallow roots system and require consistently moist soil to thrive.

How to tell if hydrangeas are sunburnt?

It is easy to diagnose sunburn on hydrangeas as the leaves that are in direct light from the sun should appear the most damaged, whereas leaves that are shaded somewhat by other parts of the plant should retain a more green colour, although they too could be wilting.

Why do hydrangeas need to be revived?

To revive a dying hydrangea it is important to emulate some of the conditions of their natural environment in your garden with an emphasis on soil moisture and protection from too much sun and wind. The most common reasons hydrangea need reviving are:

Why Are My Hydrangeas Changing Color?

If your hydrangeas are changing color from blue to pink or vice versa, that is due to a change in soil pH. Hydrangeas will change color depending on whether they’re grown in acidic or alkaline soil, and this color can change throughout the growing season.

Why Are My White Hydrangeas Turning Green?

Many white hydrangeas, especially smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) will naturally turn green as they age. The reason for this is that the white “petals” are actually sepals, which are naturally green. Sepals are the green leaf-like parts right behind many flowers. In the case of hydrangea, those sepals come in a variety of colors.

Why Are My Hydrangeas Turning Brown?

If your hydrangeas are turning brown, there are two common causes: too much heat or drought. While hydrangeas love the sun, if they are battered by scorching heat, this can stress the plant and turn your flowers brown.

Why Are My Hydrangea Leaves Turning Yellow?

A few yellow hydrangea leaves are often not something to be concerned about, but if you notice a lot of your hydrangeas turning yellow or a pattern to the yellowing (like only the older leaves turning yellow while the new leaves are light green) then that could be the sign of a problem.

1. Hydrangea Wilting and Dying (Drought Stress)

The reason for hydrangeas wilting and dying is because there is not enough moisture around the roots due to lack of watering or rainfall, the soil drains too quickly, too much sun or excessive wind saps moisture from the leaves. Hydrangea flowers can droop due to excess fertilizer.

2. Hydrangea Leaves Turning Brown and Dying

Most often the reason for hydrangea leaves turning brown is because they are in too much sunlight which scorches the leaves brown with a dying appearance. Hydrangeas are adapted to growing partial shade or dappled light and their leaves turn brown and die back if exposed to full sun.

3. Hydrangea Leaves Turning Brown at the Edges and Dying (Too Much Fertilizer)

Hydrangea leaves turn brown at the edges in response to too much fertilizer. A high concentration of nitrogen fertilizer can burn the roots of hydrangeas and cause the leaf margins to turn brown and crispy with a dying appearance.

4. Potted Hydrangea Dying

The reason for potted hydrangeas dying if often because the pot is too small or the pot is without drainage holes in the base. Small pots dry out quickly, causing the wilting and dying hydrangea leaves. Pots without drainage cause water to pool around the roots and the hydrangea dies of root rot.

5. Hydrangea Turning Black or Brown and Dying (Frost Damage)

Hydrangea leaves and flower buds can turn black or brown if they are damaged by frost. The emerging growth of hydrangeas in Spring is very sensitive to cold weather and can die back because of a late frost. Cold weather can cause the outermost leaves to die and prevent flowering.

6. Hydrangea Dying After Planting or Transplanting

The reasons for hydrangeas wilting and dying after planting are because the hydrangea’s root system takes time to adjust new soil conditions before they can draw up moisture properly which causes leaves to wilt temporarily. Transplant shock can cause the hydrangea’s leaves to droop and turn brown with a dying appearance.

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How cold can hydrangeas get in the winter?

Unlike other hydrangea varieties, Endless Summer® hydrangeas have excellent winter hardiness and can withstand winter temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit (or -34.4 degrees Celsius) at the coldest. This means that flowering is quite reliable regardless of winter temperatures.

What is the color of hydrangeas?

Endless Summer® hydrangeas are cold-hardy, reblooming hydrangeas with stunning blooms in colors such as pink, blue, purple, red, and white.

How to control the pH of flowers?

To change the soil pH and control the color of the flowers, fertilizers high in ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, or sulfur-coated urea can be used to decrease soil pH and make the soil more acidic, while fertilizers containing lime can help to increase so il pH and make the so il more alkaline.

How to grow a sage plant indoors?

For best results, start the seeds indoors in cell packs or seed starting pots. Gently sow the seeds over the top layer of the soil and keep the soil moist at all times. Don’t worry about mixing the seeds into the soil. Place the seeds in a warm location that receives bright, indirect light.

Can hydrangeas survive in acidic soil?

While these flowering shrubs can survive in a wide range of pH’s, they tend to thrive in soil that is slightly acidic . Keep in mind that the soil pH will determine the colour of the blooms. For example, the Original Endless Summer® hydrangea has blue flowers in acidic soil and pink blooms in alkaline soil.

Can hydrangeas be kept in a garage?

Endless Summer® hydrangeas make gorgeous container plants and can be easily overwintered in a sheltered garage or shed, or brought indoors for the freezing winter months. Ensure that the potting container has adequate drainage and adjust the watering schedule accordingly.

Do hydrangeas need water?

Water. Endless Summer® hydrangeas have medium to high water needs. Throughout the growing season, the soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Ensuring the plant has proper drainage is imperative in preventing root rot.

What is the hardiness zone for hydrangeas?

Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones ranging from 3 through 10, depending on the species and cultivar, according to Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder. In winter, however, hydrangeas present quite a different appearance.

Do hydrangeas lose their leaves?

Hydrangeas lose their leaves but not their stems in the fall. Before trimming the stems back, check to determine whether the cultivar blooms from old wood, new wood, or both old and new wood.

Do hydrangeas need to be pruned?

Keep in mind that hydrangeas are perennial deciduous plants that are adapted to become dormant in winter and resume blooming the following season. Pruning dormant hydrangea stems really isn't necessary except to remove dead and poorly performing stems or to shape the plant.

Do hydrangeas die in the winter?

Even the most magnificent hydrangea bush loses its leaves as cold temperatures signal winter's approach. Hydrangea are deciduous shrubs, meaning they appear to die in fall. Hydrangea are also perennial plants, though, meaning they will come back year after year if they are cared for properly through the winter.

Do hydrangeas need winter protection?

Established hydrangea plants of most cultivars don't need winter protection if the temperature never drops below zero degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, only H. arborescens and H. paniculata survive when temperatures drop below -30 degrees F, and those species require protection if temperatures reach -40 F.

1 – Not Watering The Plant Enough

  • Not watering the plant enough could be the cause of the leaves dropping. When you don’t water these shrubs as much as you’re supposed to, they’re going to start showing signs that they aren’t well. First, you’ll start to see the leaves start to turn yellow. Eventually, this is going to cause them to start to wilt. If things keep going poorly, then the leaves will just fall off entirely. You need to w…
See more on thepracticalplanter.com

2 – Watering Too Much

  • Watering too little is something that can cause the leaves to drop, but so is watering the plant too much. Essentially, you can kill the hydrangeasif you give them way more water than you’re supposed to. Hydrangeas aren’t going to do well if you don’t plant them in soil that has adequate drainage. You do need soil that can retain moisture a bit, but the hydrangeas aren’t supposed to …
See more on thepracticalplanter.com

3 – Too Much Sun Exposure

  • Too much sun exposure could cause the leaves to drop. Hydrangeas certainly do need sunlight as all other plants do, but too much of it winds up being a negative thing. They don’t do so well when the summer starts to get very bright and hot. During the hottest days of the year, it’s going to be important to ensure that the hydrangeas have protection...
See more on thepracticalplanter.com

4 – Transplant Shock Issues

  • Transplant shock issues can sometimes cause the leaves to drop. It can be tough for hydrangeas to adapt to environmental changes. For example, you might move to a new home and you’ll decide to dig the hydrangeas up to plant them in your new yard. This transplant shock could cause issues with the plant and its leaves might wind up dropping. You should be able to get through issues li…
See more on thepracticalplanter.com

5 – Frost Damage

  • Frost damage could be to blame for the leaves dropping. This happens when you get weather that you didn’t expect in the spring. There are some situations where you’ll get a very late frost due to a shifting weather pattern. A bit of frost exposure could cause your hydrangeas to lose leaves. Just do your best to protect your plants if you know that a frost is coming. You should be able to tak…
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6 – Pests

  • Pests are sometimes going to cause leaves to fall. Severe infestations might be enough to cause the leaves to drop eventually, but this usually won’t be a big deal for these plants. If you’re seeing a lot of spider mites or aphids, then you might wish to treat the plant with insecticide of some sort. When you don’t want to use insecticides, it’ll be better to use something natural such as neem oil…
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7 – Fungal Infection

  • Fungal infection has been known to be tied to leaf dropping. When you water the plant too much, it can create an environment where fungus can grow. A fungal infection such as powdery mildew could cause visible leaf changes. You might eventually see the leaves start dropping if you don’t take care of things. Depending on what’s wrong, you might need to treat the hydrangeas with fun…
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8 – It Could Be Normal

  • Of course, it could be normal that the leaves are dropping. You see, hydrangeas are deciduous plants that will shed leaves each year. This means that it’s perfectly normal for these plants to lose their leaves at the end of winter. Once the early days of spring come around, you’re going to see new leaves start to grow. You might have known this already, but it’s good to hear in case yo…
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Final Thoughts

  • Now you know more about hydrangeas and why they might have their leaves drop. There are many potential reasons why this can happen, but you’ll be able to prevent the ones that occur due to mistakes. Protect your plant from harsh sunlight to keep it from experiencing too many issues. It’s also going to be crucial to water the hydrangeas properly so that they can thrive. If you aren’t …
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