My Hydrangea is Not Growing
Hydrangeas are often thought of as a Southern plant, but several varieties are adapted to Northern climates. Hydrangeas are native to woodland areas and thrive in moist, partially shaded areas with slightly acidic soil. In bright sunlight, hydrangea blooms bleach and the leaves become scorched. Some hydrangeas, such as bigleaf hydrangea, are not winter hardy. Other hydrangeas, including oakleaf and climbing hydrangea are very slow growers. Oakleaf hydrangea eventually grows 4 to 6 feet high and wide, while climbing hydrangea scrambles 6 to 8 feet high over buildings and walls. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wood chip mulch
- Watering can
- Pruning shears
- 10-10-10 fertilizer
- Fungicide
- Insecticidal soap
Instructions
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Plant hydrangeas in an area that receives some sun in the morning and dappled shade in the afternoon. Amend the soil with compost or peat moss to improve drainage, and apply a 2-to 3-inch layer of mulch to the soil to conserve moisture. If your hydrangea is growing in full sun and has scorched leaves or bleached flowers, cut it back to 6 inches high and transplant it to a more suitable location.
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Water hydrangeas two to three times per week in dry climates to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Don't overwater though. Oakleaf hydrangea is especially susceptible to root rot.
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Prune the hydrangea back in early spring to encourage new growth. Remove any dead or diseased limbs or branches that rub across each other. Pruning back severely will encourage new growth but will likely sacrifice blooms for the year, as most cultivars set buds on the previous year's growth.
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Fertilize the hydrangea with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer at a rate of 1 lb. per 100 square feet of soil. Fertilize bigleaf hydrangeas in March, May and July. Fertilize oakleaf and panicle hydrangeas in April and June. Give smooth hydrangea one fertilizer application in late winter.
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Inspect the plant for signs of disease, such as a white coating or orange spots on the leaves. Remove and discard any diseased plant parts and avoid watering the plant in the evening. The hydrangea will probably recover on its own, although you may apply a fungicide labeled safe for hydrangeas. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap if mites or aphids cause severe damage.
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Be patient. If you've provided good growing conditions and they hydrangea appears otherwise healthy, it is probably a slow-growing variety. Climbing hydrangea takes as long as five years to establish.
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Tips & Warnings
Hydrangeas growing under large trees may be slow to establish because they compete with the tree for nutrients and water. Consider moving the shrub or provide extra water and fertilizer.
References
Resources
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