Brown leaves on hydrangeas are a common issue that plagues many gardeners. Seeing your beautiful hydrangea bushes with crispy, curled up leaves can be disheartening. But don’t lose hope! With some troubleshooting you can get your hydrangeas back to their lush verdant glory.
Why Are My Hydrangea Leaves Turning Brown?
There are several potential causes for hydrangea leaves turning brown:
Underwatering
Hydrangeas have a high demand for water. Their big, leafy leaves lose water quickly, so they need soil that stays moist. If the soil dries out, the leaves will wilt, curl up, and turn brown, which are all signs of drought stress.
Overexposure to Sun
Hydrangeas prefer partial shade or dappled sunlight. Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves, turning them brown and crispy. Mor ning sun followed by afternoon shade tends to be ideal.
Excess Wind
Hydrangea leaves lose water faster than the roots can take it up in the wind. Place your hydrangeas somewhere out of the way of strong winds.
Small Planting Container
For potted hydrangeas, small containers that dry out frequently can lead to leaves turning brown. Hydrangeas have expansive root systems and need a large pot with moisture-retentive soil.
Improper Fertilization
Overfertilizing hydrangeas can burn the leaf margins, causing them to turn brown. Use a slow-release fertilizer at moderate concentrations.
Cold Damage
Frost and cold winds can damage emerging hydrangea buds and leaves in spring, turning them brown. Protect buds with coverings if frost is forecasted.
Fungal Disease
Leaf spot fungus causes small brown spots on hydrangea leaves. It spreads in wet conditions often from overhead watering.
How to Fix Hydrangeas with Brown Leaves
The good news is that you can keep your hydrangeas from turning brown if you take good care of them. Here are some tips:
-
Water thoroughly – Hydrangeas need deep watering at the roots. Water when soil is partly dry to maintain moisture.
-
Add mulch – A 2-3 inch layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture. Organic mulches like compost or bark work well.
-
Find the right light balance – Dappled sun or a few hours of morning sun is ideal. Move pots or transplant to adjust light exposure.
-
Increase wind protection – Use trellises, shrubs, or fences to block wind. This prevents moisture loss.
-
Repot container plants – Move hydrangeas into larger pots with moisture-retentive potting mix to accommodate the expansive roots.
-
Avoid overfertilization – Use a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer at half strength in early spring and midsummer.
-
Protect from cold – Cover buds and new growth if frost threatens using horticultural fleece. Avoid pruning damage.
-
Practice proper watering technique – Water at the base, not from above. This prevents fungal leaf spot diseases.
-
Prune back damaged growth – Remove badly damaged leaves and flowers. New healthy growth should replace it.
Troubleshooting Specific Causes
Pinpointing the specific cause of the browning leaves will help you tailor your care. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
-
If leaves are wilted – Feel soil. If dry 2-3 inches down, hydrangea needs more frequent watering.
-
If the leaf edges are brown, it means the plant was burned by fertilizer. Flush soil and reduce fertilizer strength.
-
If leaf spots appear – Small brown spots point to fungal disease. Improve watering habits and use fungicide.
-
If soil is moist – Assess sunlight and wind exposure. Too much of either can cause browning.
-
If potted & soil is moist – Check roots for being pot-bound. Repotting may be needed.
-
If buds are brown – Protect new growth from late frosts. Prune out damaged buds to improve appearance.
Preventing Hydrangea Leaves From Browning
With proper care, you can avoid hydrangea leaf browning in the first place:
-
Plant in partially shaded spots protected from wind.
-
Water 1-2 times per week in summer, allowing soil to partly dry.
-
Add 2-3 inches of organic mulch to retain soil moisture.
-
Provide support for heavy blooms to prevent drooping.
-
Prune judiciously in late winter to shape, not heavily.
-
Repot container plants each spring into larger containers.
-
Fertilize in early spring with slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer.
-
Monitor for pests like lace bugs that can weaken plants and stress them.
-
Protect new growth from late spring frosts using coverings.
-
When watering, focus on the soil, avoiding wetting foliage.
Enjoy Vibrant Hydrangeas
With the right growing conditions and care, your hydrangeas can thrive and reward you with lush green leaves and magnificent blooms. Pay close attention to your plant’s moisture, sunlight, and soil needs. At the first sign of browning leaves, take corrective actions to get your hydrangeas back to their beautiful best. A little TLC will keep your hydrangeas happy and healthy all season long.
Should I Cut the Brown Leaves off My Hydrangea
Typically, its advised to prune leaves when they show more than 50% browning. In most cases, there’s nothing you can do to recover the brown hydrangea leaves. Luckily, getting rid of the bad ones and implementing the mentioned solutions can prompt the plant to sprout fresh leaves. Over time, the affected leaves might drop on their own or can be clipped off by the gardener.
Why Are My Hydrangea Leaves Turning Brown
Commonly, hydrangeas naturally go dormant in the fall, leading their leaves to change to brown and drop off. Then, come early spring, youll see new green shoots emerging from stems that might have seemed lifeless.
However, if you spot brown leaves in the spring or summer, there might be different issues to consider. The exact reasons depend on the type and its environment, but hydrangeas with brown leaves usually need more water and are stressed out by the heat. Additionally, the sunlight and soil can also have an effect. Let’s check the details.
Transplanting a hydrangea exposes the plant to stress. The primary reason behind this is inadequate moisture, which can make a hydrangeas leaves dry out, turn brown, and cause flowers to wilt.
Fix
- Timing is very important. Don’t transplant plants in the middle of summer or on days when it’s very hot.
- Before Transplanting: Make sure the plant is well-hydrated before moving it to lessen the shock.
- Post-Transplant Care: If you forgot to water the plant before planting, water it a few times a week after planting. This helps in establishing the roots. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
Excessive or untimely fertilization can lead to brown, crunchy leaf edges, a phenomenon known as fertilizer burn. This isn’t necessarily due to direct contact but could arise from the roots absorbing too much fertilizer.
Fix
- Limit Fertilization: Restrict to two or three applications a year. Slow-release formulas are beneficial as they release nutrients over time.
- Get Rid of Extra Fertilizer: Give the plant daily water to get rid of any leftover fertilizer. For granular fertilizers, consider raking the soils surface.
- Leaf Care: To keep the plant looking nice, you can cut off any brown leaves.
Hydrangeas can be vulnerable to various fungal infections, leading to white spots on plant leaves, brown spots, rust-colored stains, or other noticeable symptoms on their leaves.
Fix
- Garden Hygiene: Regularly remove and discard fallen leaves and debris. These could harbor fungal spores.
- Use Fungicides: Apply general fungicides, following the label instructions. Some fungicides, like copper-based ones, can be harmful if used too much.
- Leaf Removal: Cut off and dispose of infected leaves properly. Avoid composting them to prevent spread.
Repeated exposure to strong sun without adequate hydration can make hydrangea leaves turn brown and crispy.
Fix
Regular Watering: Ensure a consistent watering schedule, aiming for about an inch of water weekly.
Spot Treatment: For temporarily dried-out plants, water slowly and directly at the base, avoiding leaf sprinkling.
While some hydrangeas thrive in full sun, most varieties prefer partial shade, receiving 4-6 hours of sunlight, preferably in cooler morning hours.
Fix
Relocation: Consider moving the plant to a more shaded location or using a pot for flexibility.
Alternative Varieties: If relocation isn’t feasible, opt for sun-loving varieties like panicle hydrangeas.
Excessive wind can quickly draw moisture out of hydrangea leaves, leading to desiccation and browning.
Fix
- Natural Walls: To block wind, use other plants, like ornamental grass or shrubs.
- Physical Barriers: Employ fencing or other protective structures.
- Moving: If you want to move the plant successfully, do it in the fall or spring when it’s not as windy.
Wilting is a sign of moisture deficiency. If hydrangeas are left to wilt repeatedly in hot weather, their leaves can turn brown. You should take action in time when hydrangeas wilting.
Fix
Water the plants thoroughly every few days during high temperatures.
Improve soil moisture retention with mulch around the base of each plant.
What Causes Hydrangea Leaves To Turn Brown? – The Plant Enthusiast
FAQ
How do you fix brown leaves on hydrangeas?
Typically, it’s advised to prune leaves when they show more than 50% browning. In most cases, there’s nothing you can do to recover the brown hydrangea leaves.
What does an overwatered hydrangea look like?
-
Leaf Discoloration:Overwatered hydrangeas may have yellow or brown leaves, especially along the edges.
-
Wilting/Drooping Leaves:Leaves may hang limply and feel soft or mushy to the touch, even if the soil is moist.
-
Reduced or Wilting Blooms:Fewer flower buds, or blooms that wilt and turn brown, can also be a sign of overwatering.
-
Root Rot:Overwatering can lead to root rot, where the roots turn brown and feel slimy, and the plant may be more susceptible to pests and diseases.
-
Mold:Mold can grow on the soil surface, indicating a consistently wet environment.
Will hydrangeas come back after turning brown?
Know when they’re beyond repair. Is it possible to save your hydrangeas if you treat them as soon as you notice their blooms turning brown? That’s what Myers says, as long as it’s not because of damage from the weather. “However, once they turn fully brown, there’s not much you can do,” she says.
Should I cut the dead leaves off my hydrangea?
When you prune, make your cut just above a set of large, healthy leaves. If a branch is broken or dead, it can be removed completely. If in doubt, don’t prune! No hydrangea requires pruning to grow and bloom well.