Hydrangeas are the stars of my garden. Their big, bold blooms in shades of pink, blue, and white never fail to impress. But last summer, I noticed something alarming: brown spots speckling the leaves of my beloved hydrangeas. At first, I thought it was just a quirk, maybe a bit of sun scorch. But as…
Hydrangeas are iconic in American gardens, known for their big, fluffy blooms in shades of pink, blue, white, and purple. But when those blooms droop and the leaves turn limp, it’s a sign your plant is stressed. Wilting happens when the plant can’t get enough water to its leaves and flowers. This could either be…
Root rot is a destructive disease caused by fungi or water molds that attack a plant’s roots, preventing them from absorbing water and nutrients. For hydrangeas, the most common culprits are fungi like Phytophthora, Pythium, and Rhizoctonia. These pathogens thrive in wet, poorly drained soil When I first encountered root rot, I didn’t realize how…
Yellowing leaves is a common issue in hydrangeas. It often results from chlorosis, where the plant can’t produce enough chlorophyll. This can stem from waterlogged roots, nutrient deficiencies, or improper pH, locking up essential minerals. When I moved to Virginia, I was determined to grow hydrangeas like my grandmother’s in North Carolina. Her blue blooms…
Hydrangeas, with their showy blooms, are a staple in American gardens from Maine to California. Their name comes from the Greek “hydra,” meaning water, which hints at their love for moisture. But there’s a thin line between well-watered and waterlogged. I learned this the hard way when my Hydrangea macrophylla started looking like it was…
Hydrangeas are beloved across the U.S. for their versatility and stunning blooms. From the classic bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) to the hardy panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata), these shrubs thrive in many climates, from the humid Southeast to the cooler Northeast. But each type has unique needs, and understanding your hydrangea’s variety is the first step…