The fact that hydrangea blossoms lose their color after a while is a natural process. Freshly planted plants sometimes wilt for no apparent reason and let the flowers droop despite regular watering. In this article we explain why the hydrangea wilts and what you can do about it.
The summer heat can take its toll on the hydrangea
Summer heat wilts flowers
The flower balls of the hydrangea often hang limp, especially in high summer temperatures or in a sunny location. This is a completely natural process by which the hydrangea protects itself from excessive evaporation. When the temperatures drop, the flowers look fresh again after a short time.
Do not water immediately
The hydrangea does not tolerate waterlogging very well. Therefore, before watering, please always check whether the upper centimeters of the substrate feel dry. On very hot days and sunny locations, it is advisable to shade the hydrangea from time to time. As a rule, the plant recovers quickly when it is no longer exposed to direct sunlight.
Withering from excessive watering
Waterlogging leads to root rot in hydrangeas. As a result, the roots can no longer absorb enough water to keep the plant hydrated. The flowers hang limp and wither.
Remedy for houseplants
- Carefully remove the plant from the pot.
- If the substrate is soggy and spongy and gives off a putrid smell, the hydrangea must be moved.
- Then carefully remove the substrate and broken roots.
- Put in a flower pot with holes, which are covered with potsherds.
- Use good quality hydrangea or rhododendron soil.
- In the future, only water when the substrate feels dry and immediately dump excess water.
Natural withering of the flowers
After a while, the flowers of the hydrangea will fade and the hydrangea will wither. In order for the hydrangea to start new flowers, you should continuously cut out or break out faded flowers during the summer.
method
- Grasp the stem below the flower with your thumb and forefinger.
- Cut through with your thumbnail and break off to one side.
This method is particularly gentle on the plant, as the resulting wound closes very quickly.
tips
Don't cut back wilted hydrangeas at first. The plants often recover surprisingly well from "swimming accidents" or short periods of drought.