If you’ve ever asked yourself, Why aren’t my hydrangeas blooming?, you’ve come to the right place. Learn how to prevent winter kill on hydrangeas. If your hydrangeas look like dead sticks, read my winter kill hydrangeas care tips. This article also talks about ways to keep hydrangeas safe from the cold, since protecting them from the cold is important for their health.
In short, your hydrangeas aren’t blooming because it’s been so cold this winter. If yours are sad brown sticks like mine, let’s take a moment to remember that. Then, keep reading to learn what you can do about it.
Frigid winter temperatures, as well as winter winds, can cause winter kill on hydrangeas. The plant might die because of the cold winter weather or because the winds dry them out.
The backstory: I wasn’t happy that I hadn’t had any hydrangeas this summer because a “pro” cut them up one spring. Make sure to read this post … When to Prune Hydrangeas, so this doesn’t happen to you.
I cried, I prayed, and I might have even made a vision board with a picture of me running through a valley with hydrangeas in my arms to make those flowers come true.
My hopes were dashed when the winter frost wreaked havoc on my sanity and my precious hydrangeas.
Now I can’t see any flowers or even deep green leaves. All I can see are ugly brown sticks with no buds to be seen.
These babies are strong! If you look deep into the sad little hydrangea, you can see leaves that look like rocks reaching for the sun.
As a hydrangea lover, nothing breaks my heart more than seeing my beloved blooms looking lackluster. But how can you tell if your hydrangea is just having an off year or if it’s truly dying? This is a common question I get from gardeners, especially in the early spring when hydrangeas are just starting to wake up. In this article, I’ll go over the signs that your hydrangea may be dying and what you can do to try to revive it.
Signs Your Hydrangea is Dying
Here are the most common signs that your hydrangea may be in decline
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Wilted discolored leaves If the leaves are drooping, withering or turning yellow/brown, that’s a red flag. Healthy hydrangea leaves should be vibrant green.
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Brittle breaking stems The stems should be flexible yet sturdy. If they snap easily it’s not a good sign.
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No new growth: By early spring, you should notice new leaf buds on the stems. No new growth could indicate a dying shrub.
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No blooms: If your hydrangea hasn’t bloomed for a couple years, despite proper care, it could be dying.
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Unresponsiveness: If fertilizer and extra water don’t perk it up, your hydrangea may be too far gone.
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Dead sections: Notice entire dead branches? That section is likely a goner. Check other areas for signs of life.
Of course, the #1 indicator is if your hydrangea drops all its leaves and turns brown. Hopefully it doesn’t get to that stage before you take action!
First Aid for Ailing Hydrangeas
If you suspect your hydrangea is struggling, don’t dig it up just yet! Here are some first aid tactics to try and nurse it back to health:
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Scratch test: Use your fingernail to scrape away some outer bark on the stems. If you see green just underneath, there’s still life!
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Prune dead branches: Cut away any clearly dead sections to focus the plant’s energy on the parts that can be saved.
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Water deeply: Give it a good, long drink. Soak the soil around the roots. Repeat weekly if it’s dry.
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Mulch: Add 2-3 inches of mulch around the base to retain moisture and insulate the roots.
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Fertilize: Use a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer or hydrangea food. But go easy—too much can burn the roots.
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Move/replant: Could its location be the problem? Try moving the hydrangea to a spot with optimal conditions.
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Wait and see: Have patience! Some hydrangeas are late bloomers. Give it more time.
Common Causes of Hydrangea Death
If first aid doesn’t work, your hydrangea may be too far gone. But understanding why it declined can help you avoid the same mistake again. Here are the most common reasons hydrangeas die:
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Improper pruning: Cutting off old blooms or pruning at the wrong time removes the flower buds. Always prune right after flowering.
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Overwatering: Too much moisture deprives roots of oxygen. Stick your finger in the soil to gauge watering needs.
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Underwatering: Letting the soil completely dry out for too long can be fatal. Drooping leaves indicate thirst.
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Sun scorch: Afternoon sun can burn hydrangea leaves and flowers. Ensure partial shade, especially in hot climates.
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Frost damage: Hydrangeas bloom on old wood. A harsh winter or late frost can kill off buds and branches.
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Pests/disease: Common killers are leaf spot fungus, powdery mildew, and insects like aphids. Watch for signs and treat ASAP.
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Poor drainage: Hydrangeas need moist yet well-draining soil. Standing water or heavy clay causes root rot.
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Shock from transplant: Quick changes in light, soil, water, etc. when moving a hydrangea can stress it out. Ease the transition.
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Old age: Hydrangeas generally live 10-20 years. Gradually dying branches may indicate it’s reached its lifespan.
Should You Replace Your Hydrangea?
If you determine your hydrangea can’t be saved, replacement may be your only option. Here are a few things to consider:
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Can you transplant suckers from the original shrub? Look for new shoots near the base that you can dig up and replant.
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Was it the wrong hydrangea variety for your zone/climate? Choose a more suitable type next time.
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Would a new location work better? Pick a spot with appropriate sunlight, drainage, etc.
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Do you want to try a different color bloom? Explore pink, blue, purple options.
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Is there an underlying issue like poor soil quality? Amend the soil before planting the new hydrangea.
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Are certain pests inevitable? Prevent problems with row covers, neem oil, etc.
Although saying goodbye to a beloved hydrangea is sad, view it as an opportunity to start fresh! With the knowledge you’ve gained, you can give your new hydrangea the best care right from the start. Soon you’ll have abundant blooms and vibrant foliage once again.
Is Your Hydrangea Dead or Dormant? | Hydrangea | Hydrangea Care
FAQ
What does a dying hydrangea look like?
Why are my hydrangeas not coming back?
How do you know if a hydrangea is dead?
When the leaves dry up and fall off, that is a sign of a healthy plant. However, if the leaves remain on the plant, it suggests that the hydrangea is not able to shed them properly, and it means the plant is dead, especially if there are quite a few left on the plant when spring starts. 2. Stalled Growth
How do you know if a hydrangea is overwatered?
Symptoms of overwatered hydrangeas may include brown and wilted leaves, yellow leaves that will drop from the plant, and stunted growth. Signs of root rot may present themselves as well. This could appear that half of your plant is dead, and you may see white fungus near the crown of the hydrangea.
Do hydrangeas lose their leaves?
Dead Leaves and Flowers The hydrangea is a deciduous plant that loses its leaves and flowers each year in the fall. When the leaves dry up and fall off, that is a sign of a healthy plant.
How do you know if a hydrangea is dormant?
Dormant hydrangeas are flexible stems that don’t snap when bent. They may be brownish-gray and look dry, but if they’re bendable, your hydrangea is dormant. Wait for the leaves to sprout, you should start seeing the first signs of life with little leaves growing at the base of the hydrangea.