Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) Grow well in many different climates in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 3 to 9, depending on species. Many unique varieties of hydrangea are indigenous to various parts of North America; these and many more varieties take center stage in landscaping designs because of their large flower clusters. Hydrangeas prosper in moist soils, but too much water can kill them fast.
Hydrangea Water Requirements
Hydrangeas prosper in a partial sunlight area with cool, moist, well-drained soil. They’re sensitive to water problems, but mainly this is absence of water instead of overwatering. Hydrangeas are among the fastest to demonstrate signs of underwatering, such as wilting from the hottest portion of the afternoon. The soil they are planted in should stay moist, but never overly soaked or to the point where water is standing. Keeping this delicate moisture balance will probably help your hydrangeas prosper.
Visible Symptoms
If by chance you do overwater your hydrangeas, the indicators will appear strikingly like underwatering. The plant will begin to wilt, most frequently starting in the lower leaves closest to the ground. Leaves may begin to yellow and drop away as well. Depending on the time of the plant or the period of this season, you will notice stunted growth as well.
Root Symptoms
The visible symptoms originate in the roots being drowned and the lack of oxygen which results. The roots are smothered in a pool of water in many cases of overwatering. They become weak, tangled and frequently begin to rot out. This leads to some amount of soil-borne fungal disorders — like many root rots — to move in and take over. When fungal diseases begin to attack, you could also notice many different symptoms starting to appear.
Preventative and Corrective Measures
Rather than watering regularly, alter your watering program to watering only two or three times every week. Water for longer intervals, however, so the water soaks down deep. This provides another benefit: Your hydrangea’s roots will grow down toward the water, leading to a stronger-rooted plant. Soaker hoses can also help eliminate overwatering; timer-programmed soakers are even better. Before altering your watering schedule, examine the area the hydrangeas are planted in. Sunken places or regions otherwise susceptible to pooling aren’t acceptable. Examine the soil before you water using a soil probe to go deep down where the roots are either or by sticking your finger down into the soil as far as you can. Don’t judge the soil moisture based on the ground’s surface since this dries out more quickly.