I have an issue with some hydrangeas at work, more specifically one in particular. It really comes down to this particular plant being planted in the wrong conditions, meaning it will struggle to look anything but awful if the summer carries on in the same way that spring has done so far over the past few weeks-hot and dry, while sitting in full sun.

Hydrangeas are a genus that comes mostly from temperate Asia and some hail from the America’s. The one hundred or so species of hydrangea prefer woodland habitats (meaning dappled shade) with moist but well-drained and humus rich soil. They can be planted in the sun, but they do need protection from hot, intense sun. They require plenty of nutrients as they are heavy feeders. This means that they need annual feeding with compost or manure. Ensure that they get enough phosphorus and not too much nitrogen-phosphorus is needed to grow flowers and too much nitrogen causes soft leaf growth that encourages insects to eat their leaves (although they still do need it, just don’t over do it). They also need plenty of airflow to prevent problems like powdery mildew.

So, what is the issue with my hydrangea? It looks really bad. The leaves are browning off and the flowers are dying before opening. Why has this come about? Why haven’t I done much or anything at all?

The plants in this garden bed have been watered weekly while the weather has been drier and warming up. There is only so much I can do as I have lots of other work to do too across the site and I am by myself. There is also the most important part of the equation-the plant has been put in the wrong place. Let me explain why.

This particular hydrangea has been put into a position where it gets full sun all day at this time of the year. While this isn’t always a problem, the heat we have had recently has been rediculous-38 degrees Celsius is never nice! Add to that while walls reflecting the heat and light from the sun and the plant is struggling, as you can see in the photo below.

What have I been doing? I have been giving this plant more water when I’ve had chance recently. I’ve also given it some more fertiliser to help it along.

The good news is that there are plenty of new shoots appearing and starting to grow. Hopefully, it will recover well and thrive again.

This example of a sick hydrangea shows why you need to think wisely about what plants you can grow in your garden based on soil and climate conditions amongst others. A little research will potentially save you a lot of work!

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