It is a natural process that hydrangea flowers lose their color after a while. Newly planted plants sometimes wilt for no apparent reason and leave the flowers hanging despite regular watering. In this article we will explain to you why the hydrangea wilts and what you can do about it.
Why do hydrangeas wilt and how to save them?
Hydrangeas often wilt due to too much heat, excessive watering or natural aging of the flowers. This can be remedied by temporary shading, avoiding waterlogging and regularly removing wilted flowers. A quick adjustment of care can often save the plant.
Summer heat causes flowers to wilt
Especially in high summer temperatures or in a sunny location, the flower balls of the hydrangea often hang limply. This is a completely natural process that the hydrangea uses to protect itself from excessive evaporation. If the temperatures drop, the flowers look fresh again after a short time.
Do not water immediately
The hydrangea does not tolerate waterlogging well. Before watering, please always check whether the top centimeters of the substrate feel dry. On very hot days and sunny locations, it is recommended to temporarily shade the hydrangea. As a rule, the plant recovers quickly when it is no longer exposed to direct sunlight.
Wilting due to excessive watering
Waterlogging leads to root rot in hydrangeas. This means the roots can no longer absorb enough water to keep the plant hydrated. The flowers hang limply and wither.
Remedy for houseplants
- Carefully remove the plant from the pot.
- If the substrate is wet and spongy and gives off a foul smell, the hydrangea must be moved.
- Then carefully remove the substrate and the broken roots.
- Place in a flower pot with holes covered with pottery shards.
- Use high-quality hydrangea or rhododendron soil.
- In the future, only water when the substrate feels dry and discard excess water immediately.
Natural wilting of flowers
After a while, the flowers of the hydrangea fade and the hydrangea withers. To ensure that the hydrangea produces new flowers, you should continually cut out or break out any dead flowers throughout the summer.
Procedure
- Grip the stem below the flower with your thumb and forefinger.
- Cut with your thumbnail and break away to the side.
This method is particularly gentle on the plant as the resulting wound closes very quickly.
Tip
Do not cut back wilted hydrangeas at first. The plants often recover surprisingly well from “swimming accidents” or short dry periods.
