Hydrangeas, known for their stunning blooms, are a favourite among gardeners, but their care can be easily overlooked.
As the seasons change, it’s not uncommon for these plants to show signs of distress, particularly when exposed to harsh weather conditions.
A recent discussion on the Garden Stew forums highlighted this issue, where one gardener shared a photo of their wilted hydrangeas, which had suffered from neglect and severe hailstorms.
The gardener, disheartened by the sight of their plants with only a handful of blooms and many leaves missing, sought advice from the community.
They explained: “I am in need of some advice on helping bring back some damaged and neglected hydrangeas.”
They added: “I have two that suffered bad hail storms and also neglect involving letting other close bushes grow over them while I was inactive in the yard. I think the lack of sunshine getting through has not been good for them either.”
But there’s hope for the hydrangeas, as fellow forum users chimed in with tips, suggesting that a deep, thorough watering could be the secret to their revival.
One user, Phillip, said: “The soil around those bushes looks dry, so I would add lots of water. Hydrangeas love water,”
Other experts recommend that hydrangeas be watered slowly at the base to ensure that the water reaches several inches into the soil.
They also suggested applying mulch after watering to maintain soil moisture, regulate ground temperature, and prevent weeds.
Additionally, the forum discussion highlighted the importance of not rushing to prune dead-looking branches, as they may still have life in them.
Phillip advised waiting until after the plants have been thoroughly watered before making any cuts.
He also recommended using a gentle liquid fertiliser, like MiracleGrow, to give the hydrangeas a boost, but cautioned against over-fertilising, which can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of blooms.
With consistent care and patience, gardeners can look forward to seeing their hydrangeas flourish once again, bringing vibrant colour back to their gardens.
