HelpfulGardener.com

I got a beautiful pink hydrangea in march. all was well until about 2 weeks ago. the pink leaves began turning pinkish brown. still looks somewhat healthy and still seeing new growth on plant. the color just isnt pretty anymore. also the leaves look as if they are parched on the edges.
any ideas?

What sun exposure does your hydrangea receive? For how many hours a day (approx.)? What soil is it in? How is it watered and how often?

I tend a couple of hydrangeas at my MIL's in Palo Alto. I was able to save one, but the other...not. Since Sacramento is in Sunset Zone 14 and Palo Alto is in Sunset Zone 15, the growing conditions are similar but not alike for hydrangeas as well as other plants, so the particulars of what I did in Palo Alto may help.

Please give me more information about your plant and its health, size, etc., and I'll relate it to what I did as much as I can.

Cynthia H.
Sunset Zone 17, USDA Zone 9

Could be from trying to turn blue to pink...happened to me. After that, if I wanted pink, I made sure that color was on the pic when I bought the plant.

Some white or colored mopheads will begin to do this in the summer when the blooms are exposed to too much sun, when the soil is not moist enough or the temperatures are too high. Moisture problems will force a hydrangea to abort flower buds and flowers first. Plants that are not established yet may overreact when exposed to these conditions but in future years, they may not abort the blooms. You can deadhead the blooms now if you wish or let them stay until the plant goes dormant. If this plant is remontant (Endless Summer, etc) you still have a chance for more blooms.

By this time of the year, mopheads will begin to change bloom colors from their original blue/pink tones. Eventually, the blooms turn brown. The exact color changes of a bloom will depend on the variety.

If moisture issues get worse, the shrub will then begin to wilt and eventually brown out the leaves from the edges. Most new hydrangeas will recover on their own by either nightfall or by the next morning. If you notice an extreme wilting episode, water immediately with 1g of water. Otherwise, make a habit to test the soil first. If the soil feels almost dry or dry when you insert a finger to a depth of 4" then water 1g of water. If the soil feels moist or wet, wait until next morning to test/water. Maintain 3-4" of mulch up to or beyond the drip line will reduce the number of waterings that you have to do. Using the finger method when watering will reduce the risk of over watering and developing root rot.

Luis