Hydrangeas are thirsty plants known for their shallow roots, so it is incredibly important to water them properly in the summer and gardeners have been warned not to make a common mistake
Hydrangeas, with their shallow roots, are particularly thirsty plants, making it crucial to water them correctly during the summer months to ensure their survival. A common error made by gardeners in the summertime is watering their hydrangeas on a daily basis, which can actually cause significant harm to the plant.
On sweltering days, hydrangeas often wilt due to heat stress, even when the soil is damp, leading to a frequent issue of overwatering during the summer, which can result in drowning the roots. Yet, given the unpredictable nature of British summers, there’s also a risk of underwatering these plants if they’re not monitored closely, as they require ample moisture from the soil to stay cool.
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Michael Jacobson from French Florist has shared his insights on keeping hydrangeas well-hydrated, noting that while it may seem challenging, it’s quite straightforward if you check on them in the evening.
He explained: “When hydrangeas are running low on moisture their leaves will noticeably droop. Watering them well can reverse this appearance, even as quickly as a few hours later.”
He also mentioned: “Hydrangea leaves may also curl to protect themselves in high temperatures, so it’s worth waiting until the evening when it’s cooler to see if the leaves have unfurled before watering.”
Therefore, if a hydrangea appears droopy or wilted when the temperature drops at night, it indeed requires watering, which is why many gardeners prefer to wait until dusk to assess their plants.
However, it’s generally not advisable to water hydrangeas in the evening as this is when slugs are most active and the added moisture can attract more of these pests to your garden.
Instead, inspect your hydrangeas in the evening but hold off on watering them until morning, reports the Express. This provides them with the necessary hydration to withstand the day’s heat.
Hydrangeas’ soil tends to lose a significant amount of moisture in the summer due to evaporation, but morning watering allows the water ample time to reach the roots before the afternoon heat peaks.
They are also considerably more active in the morning, so timely watering ensures the roots stay hydrated, resulting in a healthier plant that will bloom for an extended period this summer.
It’s typically best to check if hydrangeas need watering every two to three days during the summer, then water them deeply rather than providing a light sprinkle daily.
Always aim for the soil and avoid getting water on the hydrangea’s leaves or flowers, as leaving them damp can foster mould growth.
If you routinely check on your hydrangeas at night and water them the following day, you’ll be rewarded with numerous robust blooms that remain spectacular despite the dry, hot weather.