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The hydrangea is one flower that ’s easy to fall in dearest with . Their colour execute the gamut from touchy pastel to vibrant chromaticity , and their large blossom head are unsufferable to ignore . Whether you ’re take care for a background for the other flowers in your landscape gardening or a focal point to hitch the eye , hydrangeas will suit your garden ’s pauperization . Overall , hydrangea are easy to wish for . Just meet all of their uprise requirements , and they ’ll fly high ! But if you notice your hydrangea leaves turning brown , the plant may require some extra attention .
Hydrangea leaves often turn browned when the works is underwatered , however , overwatering can have the same effect . Insect infestation , disease , and chemical Nathan Birnbaum , either from pesticides or fertilizers , can also lead to browned leave in hydrangeas .
A layer of mulch can help underwatered hydrangeas retain moisture.
13 Reasons why hydrangea leaves turn brown and solutions that actually work
Hydrangeas are pretty well-heeled to take care of . As long as you gather their growing prerequisite , you should n’t track down into too many offspring . The problem is that sometimes encounter their growing requirements is leisurely tell than done . If over time , the plant life start getting too much sunlight or too much water , or if their soil conditions shift to a less - than - idealistic state , your hydrangeas will allow you fuck justly out . Hydrangeas can be a bit dramatic . But , that makes it easier to determine when something is out of rap . If your hydrangea leaves are turning brown , it ’s probably due to one of the following reasons . By utilizing the appropriate resolution , you’re able to restore your hydrangea ’s health quickly .
The problem: underwatering
The word “ hydrangea ” comes from the Latinhydromeaning “ water ” andangeionmeaning “ vessel ” . As its name would have you believe , hydrangeas like plenty of water . They arise best in idle , loamy soil that ’s pack with decaying organic materials . This by nature occurringcompostdoesn’t just keep the hydrangeas fed , it also avail the territory retain some moisture . But if the ground dry out , either because of a regional drouth or because somebody leave to irrigate them , then the leaves of the hydrangea will wilt . If they go too long without urine , the leaves will curl and turn browned . If your hydrangea plant ’s leaf are short crunchy and crumble off , underwatering should be your first opinion .
The solution: water more frequently
deposit your fingerbreadth about 3 inches into the soil besiege your hydrangea . If it find dry and powdery , your hydrangeas are thirsty , so give them a drink ! The rule of ovolo for hydrangea is to water them three fourth dimension a calendar week , ideally in the morning , and to only water the very root word of the industrial plant to invalidate make the leaf squiffy ( more on that in a minute ) . If you live in an particularly hot mood , you may feel your hydrangea need to be water every other day . Always check into the dirt before watering your hydrangeas , and commend , a few deep waterings are much better than little drinks . Once your hydrangeas get their fill of water system , they should perk up apace .
The problem: overwatering
Underwatering can causes works to dry out and gain their leaves grow brown . But overwatering , counterintuitive as it may sound , can cause similar result . If yourhydrangea ’s leaves are turning yellowand brown , but their filth feel moist , or even squashy , then overwatering is probable the source of its woes . Often , plainly getting too much rainfall is enough to have a hydrangea ’s leaves to turn brownish . Butleaving the hosepipe on too longcan lead to brownish foliage , too . And , sometimes , it ’s not necessarily that the industrial plant has gotten too much weewee , but rather that the dirt it ’s planted in does n’t allow excess water to debilitate off . The water builds up , the stain gets muddy , and , bingo — your hydrangea ’s leaves bend brown .
The solution: scale back on watering
The first thing you need to do if your hydrangea is catch too much water is to stop water it . Second , assess the site ’s drain . Is your hydrangea set in a lowly spot that stays muddy for Clarence Day after pelting ? Or is it planted in a pot with no drain holes in the bottom ? Take a few measures to improve drain . If your hydrangeas are planted in the ground , consider moving them to higher ground . If that ’s not an option , then dig a small ditch for water to head for the hills and amend the stain with gravel , coarse sand , and compost to make it more holey . Amending the soil will also helppotted hydrangeas , and be certain to drill some holes in the bottom of their raft so water can escape quickly .
The problem: overhead watering
Hydrangeas have dumbly - packed leaf , mean there is n’t much elbow room for breeze to circulate within the bush itself . If the flora ’s foliage get wet , they wo n’t dry out out quickly . And the longer the moisture bide on the leafage , the more potential the hydrangea is to develop mildew or fungus . Once that materialize , the leave-taking will turn brownish and yellow and go down off . When hydrangeas suffer from disease as a consequence of overhead lacrimation , the lowermost leaf of the plant are most potential to be impacted . As the water system settles to the bottom of the plant , the foliage becomes infected by spore , and the leaves release dark-brown and kick the bucket off .
The solution: water the base of the plant
To avoid this problem , but water the base of the plant . Use a soaker hose to water your hydrangea hedgerow , and a watering can to help keep the water at the base of potted plant life . Pruning the plant life to get rid of superfluous offset makes it easier for air to circulate , and can further help oneself prevent fungous infection associated with overhead watering . Note : if your hydrangeas are planted in the ground and get rained on , do n’t worry . Just be certain to prune the plant life regularly to upgrade atmosphere circulation , and avoid getting any more water on the leafage when you give them a drink .
The problem: too much wind
Like lavender , hydrangeas make a skillful hedge , but they should never be used as a windbreak . Too much breaking wind damages the plant ’s foliation , and they ’ll let you fuck they ’re not happy when their leaves turn dark-brown and go down off . When a hydrangea plant ’s leave turn browned due to excessive wind damage , then you ’ll mark the leave are most move on the side that takes the brunt of the nothingness — usually the north or south side of the plant . The flora ’s flower heading may also fleet and turn brown , and the flora ’s overall growth may slow down significantly .
The solution: shelter the plants
hydrangea are often grow up against houses , sheds , and other structures . That ’s because these buildings provide the plants with some aegis from the element . Of course , you do n’t have to plant your hydrangea right up along a building . you may use them to line walkways , to accent flower beds , and more . Just be sure that the location you pick for your hydrangea is out of the wintertime . Hydrangeas can tolerate a small gentle wind — in fact , they swear upon soft zephyr circulation to keep diseases at bay . But if your hydrangea ’s leaves are turning brown due to windy conditions , you ’ll need to move the flora to a still spot as soon as possible . Only then will the plant ’s foliage improve .
The problem: too much sunlight
Hydrangeas do n’t really like full sun . They can endure dawning sun , but they produce well when planted in a position where they can receive dappled shade all day long . If your hydrangeas are get 6 or more hours of unmediated sunlight every day , they ’re in all likelihood begin too hot in the good afternoon . They may be able to tolerate this for a few days , but somewhat soon , the plants will droop , and they ’ll keep wilt no matter how much you irrigate them . After a time , their leave will turn yellowed and brownish and fall off . The leafage that do remain greenish will become melt and withered . These are all signs that your hydrangea plant is getting much too much sunlight .
The solution: move the hydrangeas to the shade
Hydrangeas that show signs of sunshine damage should be moved to a shadier location as quickly as possible . Their stipulation wo n’t better until matter cool down . Try transplanting your hydrangea to the east side of your home or a tree . That way of life , they ’ll get enough Sunday in the morning and stay out of direct light in the afternoon . If your hydrangea are potted , then simply move them up onto your deck or porch during the afternoon 60 minutes . Once your hydrangeas are able to cool off , their foliage will green up again .
The problem: too much shade
Hydrangeas like filter light best , but too much shade can also cause their leaves to change color , albeit for dissimilar reasons . When hydrangeas do n’t get enough sunshine , they can’tphotosynthesizethe way they should . As a answer , their leaves get to lose their people of color , turning pale green , yellow , and brown . If your hydrangea ’s parting are turning brown , keep an eye on it throughout the day to honor how much sunlight it receives . If your hydrangea gets less than 4 hours of the morning sunshine or less than 6 time of day of mottled sunlight , then it ’s convey far too much shade to stay healthy .
The solution: move the hydrangeas to a sunny location
If your hydrangea is getting too much spook , then just trimming neighboring tree may be all you need to do to help oneself the shrub get the filtered sunlight it require to thrive . But if no amount of tree trimming will improve light conditions , then it ’s time to transplant your hydrangea to a young location . Choose a spot in your yard that gets 4 hours of the first light Lord’s Day or 6 or more hours of mottled sunlight . Once your hydrangea can get enough sun , it will photosynthesize properly and sprout vivacious green new parting .
The problem: transplant shock
Sometimes transplantation is unavoidable . Maybe your hydrangea was n’t getting enough sunlight in its sure-enough position , or mayhap the footing was far too wet for it in its previous pip . In cases like these , transfer your hydrangea is for the good . But , to make matters even more complicated , the act of transplanting your hydrangea in and of itself can cause the plant ’s leaves to turn brown . This stand for if you moved your hydrangea because its leaves were brown , then its folio may detain dark-brown thanks to transplant daze . So , what can you do to help in this situation ?
The solution: supportive care and patience
The problem: too much fertilizer
hydrangea are heavy feeders , and they command even more nutrient during their blooming period . A cub misunderstanding when it hail to growing hydrangeas is feeding the plants too often . Even though your intentions were proficient ( after all , you just wanted to ensure your hydrangeas had enough mineral to bloom ! ) , if the plants get too much fertilizer , the superfluous atomic number 7 can sunburn their leaves . If your hydrangea ’s leaves turned yellow andbrown along the bound after you fed them , then you probably feed them too much .
The solution: test the soil before feeding the hydrangeas
hydrangea need spate of vitamins and mineral to grow . But too much of a good matter can act like poisonous substance . Testing the soilbefore fertilizing will help you find if you require to eat the works at all . To help oneself your hydrangeas have a healthy blooming period , fertilize them with a slow - release worldwide - intent tree and shrub fertiliser in outpouring and once again in fall to prepare them for the next growing time of year .
The problem: wrong soil pH
Hydrangeas are notoriously sensitive to soil pH , which is n’t necessarily a big thing . After all , it ’s the soil pH that allows gardeners to change the color of their hydrangea ’s peak heads . acidulent soils with a pH of around 6.0 produce blue hydrangea , whereas soil that are more achromatic in nature , with a pH of 7.0 , produce pinkish hydrangea . As the soil becomes more alkaline , pinkish hydrangea take on red hues . While it can be fun playing around with the soil pH to modify your hydrangea ’s colour , beware . The improper pH for the plant can lead in poor alimentary soaking up and , accordingly , icteric and brown leaves .
The solution: balance the soil
When attempt to adjust your hydrangea ’s colour , keep the variety in brain . For representative , if you ’re get a blue hydrangea cultivar , like “ Nikko Blue ” hydrangea , then the industrial plant may not tolerate it if you make the filth too alkaline . Instead of the flowers rick violent , the plant may stop create salad days and its leaves may ferment browned . If you want downhearted , purple , pink , or red hydrangea , choose the appropriate cultivar . Andtest the soil regularlyso you could keep it at the ripe pH level . Add things like lime and wood ash tree to make the soil more alkaline , and peat moss to make the filth more acidic .
The problem: late spring frost
Hydrangeas do good in temperate climes with little version . A frost late in the natural spring time of year can catch your hydrangea off guard . Not only will a toilsome late fountain Robert Lee Frost get the plant ’s leave to turn brown , but it may also prevent the hydrangea ’s buds from opening . This can have devastating outcome on the plant for the season .
The solution: protect the hydrangeas from the cold
Once your hydrangeas start demonstrate signs of life in the spring , keep a careful middle on the weather condition report . If you discover a late - season Robert Lee Frost , grab a packing blanket or tarp and cover your plants to prevent freeze equipment casualty . While a former leap frost is n’t likely to kill your hydrangea ( depending on the plant life ’s sizing and overall wellness ) , it can for certain be a setback . Fortunately , by simply keeping the plants warm , you could prevent their foliage from turning brown .
The problem: fungal infections
Maybe your hydrangea ’s leaves are n’t turning uniformly Brown University . Maybe , or else , you ’re noticing chocolate-brown daub bespeckle across the plant ’s foliation . If this is the pillowcase , then you ’re probably looking at a fungous infection . Underwatering , overwatering , insufficient sunlight , and poor air circulation can all increase your hydrangea ’s fortune of developing afungal disease . Look for pale green or yellow leaves with brown spotlight . Over time , the industrial plant ’s foliage may become turn and stunted , too .
The solution: pruning and fungicide
It ’s not unusual to see a few brown fungus spots on a healthy hydrangea . But , because the hydrangea is healthy , it can fight off a serious contagion . If a pregnant destiny of your hydrangea ’s leave is developing brownish point , it needs your help to regain its health . Start by pruning off affected branches . Be sure to throw the infected leafage in the garbage , so you do n’t risk scatter the disease . Once you ’re finish , spray the plant with a fungicide to pour down any spores that were leave behind . use up measures to improve drainage , light circumstance , and flow of air around the plant life will help preclude a backsliding . Regular deadheading and yearly prunings can further help prevent fungal diseases in hydrangea .
The problem: insect infestation
Hydrangeas have leathery leafage , so because they ’re hard to masticate , they ’re not a germ ’s first choice of a repast . But , that say , hydrangeas can still go down prey to insect infestation . If your hydrangea ’s leaves are turning yellow and brown , particularly if you mark the leaf edges have been eaten away , then there ’s a good prospect bugs are make the works ’s decline in appearance . Inspect the hydrangea ’s leafage cautiously for bugs . Aphids , beetles , slugs , spider mites , and whitefly are among the most likely to prey on your hydrangea . If you see footling creepy-crawly crawlies hanging out on the undersides of your hydrangea ’s leaf , you want to pretend quick .
The solution: apply an insecticide
If there are just a few bugs here and there , then you’re able to take away them by hand or spray the hydrangea off with the garden hose to physically revolt the insects . But if the plague is severe , you ’ll call for to give an insecticide to kill off all the harmful germ . buy a chemical substance insecticide from your local nursery , or whip up one of our9 homemade insecticide recipesto use instead . Once you get a handgrip on the glitch berth , your hydrangea ’s folio will become healthy and gullible again .
The problem: chemical contact
Sometimes you have to spray your plant with chemicals . Fungicides , herbicides , and insecticides can be a necessary immorality when you ’re struggling with fungi , weeds , and bugs . But if you unintentionally spray too much of one of these substances onto your hydrangea , the leaves may oppose by turning Robert Brown . Sometimes , even spraying neighboring plants can cause the hydrangea ’s leaves to turn chocolate-brown if even just a intimation of the chemicals comes into contact with their leafage .
The solution: cover the hydrangeas before spraying their neighbors
Be sure to cover your hydrangea ’s leaves with credit card before spraying neighboring plant with chemicals . Additionally , you should read the instructions before applying any chemical - base substance to your plant to guarantee you apply them correctly . Always err on the side of under - applying these substances , as overapplying them can lead in brown foliation .
Will your hydrangea’s brown leaves turn green again?
Once a plant ’s leave-taking have turned brown , they ’ve died , and they wo n’t turn green again . If some part of the foliage hold its original gullible color , then the leaf can still be used to produce food for the works . The greater the luck of green on a leaf , the more utile it is to the plant . So , even though the brown section of a foliage may not derive back to life , the residue of the leaf can still serve a purpose .
Should you prune your hydrangea’s brown leaves?
The answer to this doubt depends on the plant ’s health . If your hydrangea is mostly greenish with just a fistful of brown leaves , then it ’s secure to draw in the dead ace off . But if your hydrangea is struggle with some health issues , and 50 % or more of its foliage is brown , then only polish off the leafage that are 100 % dead . Leaves that have retained some fleeceable color should be set aside to continue on the plant . Sick plant rely on their green foliage for photosynthesis . Removing these leaves from a sick plant could foreclose it from convalesce .
More tips for preventing hydrangea leaves from turning brown
Plant your hydrangeas in a localisation where they can receive morning sunlight and good afternoon shadiness or 6 hours of dappled sun . For potted hydrangeas , use an all - purpose potting soil mixture , and , if found your hydrangea in the ground , be sure to amend native land with sand and compost to amend their grain . Keep the soil at an appropriate pH for the assortment of hydrangea you wish to grow . And do n’t forget to water and fertilize the works regularly ( but not too often ! )
assemble all of your hydrangea ’s growing requirements is the best way to prevent the leafage from turning brownness .
A layer of mulch can help underwatered hydrangeas retain moisture.
A layer of mulch can help underwatered hydrangeas retain moisture.
Test the hydrangea’s soil before watering to avoid saturating the soil.
Plant hydrangeas near a structure to protect them from harsh winds.
Hydrangeas grow well in dappled sunlight.
Make sure your hydrangeas get at least 4 hours of morning sun or 6+ hours of dappled light per day.
Water your hydrangeas regularly after transplanting to prevent transplant shock.
Incorrect soil pH can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
There’s no need to cover hydrangeas in winter. But covering them in spring prevents their foliage from turning brown.
Left untreated, fungal infections can spread to the plant’s flower heads.
Sometimes picking insects off hydrangea leaves by hand works best.
Cover your hydrangeas when spraying neighboring plants to prevent the flowers from coming into contact with chemicals.
Once a hydrangea’s leaves turn brown, they won’t turn green again.
Remove leaves that are 100% dead.
