If your prized hydrangeas are drooping in the heat, don't panic. From watering at the right time to adding extra shade, there are some simple fixes to help stop the blowsy blooms from wilting.
While hydrangeas need a few hours of sunlight to bloom well, intense afternoon heat causes them to lose moisture faster than their roots can drink. If the leaves get crispy or brown at the edges, this is a tell-tale sign that they are too hot.
'Hydrangeas are a favourite in British gardens, but they can be susceptible when temperatures rise,' Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, tells House Beautiful UK.
Wondering how to stop your hydrangeas from wilting in a heatwave? Take a look at the top tasks you need to do:
1. 'Always give them a good, deep soak at the base very early in the morning or late in the evening, never in the middle of the day, when most water evaporates or can scorch damp leaves,' says Julian.
'Aim to get moisture down about 15cm into the soil and repeat every day or two; if they are in pots, they dry out so fast you might need to water them twice a day. Keep the soil evenly moist and avoid splashing water onto the leaves or flowers, as this can lead to fungal problems.'
2. Protect them from the strongest sun. If you can, Julian suggests using a shade cloth, a garden umbrella or a light cover to stop hydrangeas from scorching. For potted plants, move them into dappled shade.
'Pop a 5cm layer of bark, compost or leaf mould around the base, but keep it clear of the stems, as this cools the roots, holds in moisture, and feeds the soil too,' says Julian. 'Good airflow helps, so don't plant them too close together, and if you're somewhere windy, put up a temporary windbreak; wind dries them out just as quickly as hot sun.'
3. Don't cause extra stress. 'Whatever you do, don't feed them, cut them back hard, or plant or move them during a heatwave, as all of these just add extra stress,' says Julian.
'If they droop in the heat but perk up again by evening, that's just their clever way of saving water, not a sign of damage. A light mist over the leaves early or late in the day can help, but never do it while the sun is on them.'
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