Revive Drooping Hydrangeas: Water, Sun, Soil Tips

Revive Your Drooping Hydrangeas

If you've noticed your beloved hydrangeas looking a little droopy and sad, don't give up on them just yet! With a little TLC, it's possible to bring those flowers back to their former glory. Hydrangeas are stunning garden additions, with their lush blooms coming in shades of pink, blue, purple, and white. However, they do require some specific care, especially when it comes to water. Read on to learn tips and tricks to revive your hydrangeas.

Assess the Damage

Before taking action, you need to figure out what exactly is causing your hydrangeas to struggle. Are the leaves wilted and drooping? This indicates the plant needs water. Are the leaves browning or spotting? This could mean too much sun. Are the flowers dying before fully blooming? The soil pH may be off. Take note of all the symptoms you see, as the treatment will depend on the cause.

Give Them a Good Drink

The most common reason for sad hydrangeas is underwatering. These plants need a lot of moisture, especially when actively growing and producing flowers. If the soil feels dry and your hydrangeas are drooping, give them a deep watering immediately. Aim to keep the soil consistently damp but not sopping wet. Water at the base of the plant, not the leaves, to prevent disease. This hydration can perk up wilted hydrangeas in no time.

Check the Sun Exposure

While hydrangeas need plenty of water, they also require partial shade. Those planted in too much direct sun will often have browning leaves and dried out blooms. If this is the case, try moving your hydrangeas to a spot with only morning sun or light afternoon shade. Add some screening with larger plants or garden structures if needed. This protects the hydrangeas during the hottest part of the day.

Test and Amend the Soil

Hydrangeas thrive best in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.2-5.5. If planted in too alkaline of a soil environment, they will be unable to properly take up aluminum which produces those lovely blue blooms. Test your soil's pH with a home kit. If needed, work some acidic compost or sulfur into the area to lower the pH. This can help hydrangeas that are struggling to flower or just have lackluster blooms.

Deadhead Spent Flowers

As hydrangea blooms fade, promptly deadhead them by cutting just above the first set of healthy leaves down below. This tidy up not only improves the plant's appearance, but also encourages more buds and flowers. Removing spent blooms puts the plant's energy into new growth rather than waste. Get into the habit of regularly deadheading for abundant blooms.

Avoid Excess Fertilizer

While most plants thrive with regular feeding, too much fertilizer can actually damage hydrangeas. It can cause the leaves to yellow, burn, and dry while also inhibiting flower growth. Go easy on the fertilizer, using half strength at most. Organic options like compost or manure are safest. And refrain from high nitrogen products which promote leafy growth over flowers.

Prune at the Right Time

When and how you prune your hydrangeas makes a big difference in their health. These plants actually bloom on old wood, meaning stems that grew the prior season. If you prune off those old stems in fall or winter, you'll be cutting off the next season's flower buds. The optimal time to prune hydrangeas is in late summer, after flowering. Target only the oldest, woodiest stems down near the base. This tidy up stimulates new growth while preserving flower buds.

Restore Your Hydrangeas to Glory

With a bit of TLC - hydration, shade, soil amendments, deadheading, and proper pruning - you can get your lackluster hydrangeas looking lush and lovely again. Pay close attention to their needs and fix any issues promptly. With the right care, your hydrangeas will reward you with abundant blooms summer after summer.

FAQs

Why are my hydrangea leaves drooping?

Drooping, wilting leaves on hydrangeas usually indicate underwatering. Give your hydrangeas a deep watering right at the base to hydrate the soil and perk up the plant.

What does it mean if hydrangea leaves are browning?

Browning, spotting, or dried leaves point to too much sun exposure. Move your hydrangeas to a spot with morning sun only or add screening to provide afternoon shade.

How can I get bigger hydrangea blooms?

To encourage larger, abundant hydrangea blooms, make sure the plant gets plenty of water, partial shade, and well-drained acidic soil. Avoid over-fertilizing which can inhibit flowers.

When should I prune my hydrangeas?

Prune hydrangeas in late summer after they bloom. Cutting old stems in fall or winter removes the next season's flower buds. Late summer pruning promotes new growth.

What soil pH do hydrangeas need?

Hydrangeas thrive best in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.2-5.5. Test soil pH yearly and amend as needed with aluminum sulfate or acidic compost.