Gardeners have shared the one task Britons need to do now to save their “drooping” hydrangeas.
Hydrangeas are notoriously fussy when it comes to watering and require differing amounts depending on how much sun they’re exposed to and whether it’s their first growing season or not.
However, when the weather is hot, hydrangeas, like many plants need plenty of water.
One gardener who was struggling with her hydrangeas was Mavis Pritchard Nw Sedgwick.
Mavis shared a photo of her blue hydrangea which looked wilted and unhappy on the Facebook page, ‘Mrs Hinch Gardening Tips’. She asked fellow gardeners, “Help, do you think this will be alright?”
Mavis’ post was inundated with responses from fellow gardening enthusiasts with the most suggested solution for recovering the plant being to give it a “good soaking”.
Milvia Pearce said: “Needs a good soaking in water, they need watering every day.”
Helen Smith replied: “Keep giving it loads of water every day. As long as you can keep the plant alive. Flowers this year might not recover.”
Barbara Stone commented: “My established ones are starting to look like this as the flowers fade. They need lots of water. Caught one of mine yesterday drooping, despite having had a fair bit of rain – the leaves deflect the rainfall.”
Carol Williamson wrote: “I’d give it a real good soaking, [I’m] sure it will recover.”
Jean Quinn suggested: “It needs watering and feeding regularly. Hydrangeas are thirsty plants. They do best planted in a position with morning sun and partial shade in the afternoon.”
Becky McConnell agreed and posted: “Water loads and some ericaceous feed. Should perk up.”
Hydrangeas need to be watered deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
According to the site Magical Hydrangea, the plants “love moist soil” which means they need to be watered regularly.
The experts suggest giving the plants lots of water a few days a week rather than giving them a small amount every day.
It’s also important that gardeners do not wet the hydrangea flowers when they are being watered.
For the best results, water hydrangeas in the morning or in the evening when the sun isn’t shining directly on them. This will allow the plant to absorb the water.
Mulching around hydrangeas can also help them retain moisture and stay cool.
