Wilting hydrangeas 'spring back to life' with simple task that takes 5 seconds

07 September 2023 , 12:24

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Gardeners have taken to social media to share tips on how to help wilting hydrangeas in the heatwave (Image: Getty Images/EyeEm)

Too much of a good thing can be bad, especially for plants. With temperatures climbing plants like hydrangeas can suffer and wilt in excessive heat. However, gardeners have taken to social media to share their tips and tricks on how to help the flowers that are usually the star of the show in any garden spring back to life.

Hydrangeas are sensitive to any extreme weather such as drought, extreme sun, frost, or transplant shock. One gardener who suffered the fate of wilting hydrangeas recently took to a local Facebook group to ask for advice, they said: "Seriously neglected hydrangea. Is there any saving it, I'd really like to if I can. I have re-potted today into a big pot and placed in a shady area because of the hot weather, and soaked with plenty of water. Should I cut any of it back or will just daily regular watering help?"

The struggling gardener shared a picture of their hydrangea which pictured the flower heads and and leaves drooping and looking brown, the Express reports. The comments section was filled with fellow gardening enthusiasts who said that moving the plant, as well as the current heatwave, was probably the cause of the wilting flowers.

One person said: “It's because you've moved the plant and the growing conditions are not the same. Just keep watering it and keep it out of the sun." Another commenter advised: "For your hydrangea to spring back to life it is crucial to give them attention when it's hot, which means watering them well. This won't take long, five seconds and you're done."

Hydrangeas have a better chance of growing in moist soil so keeping them well-watered during hot spells in summer is encouraged. The best time to plant hydrangeas is during autumn, this gives the plant time to adjust to the soil and for its root to establish themselves.

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If hydrangeas are moved they can have a difficult time adapting to the environment and transplant shock is more noticeable when there is a greater difference between the growing conditions in which the plant. Commenting on the post, another person added: "Although hydrangeas like 'wet feet', if the leaves are dying it may not be able to take up as much water as a healthy plant. I overwatered and killed a hydrangea like yours! So yes, keep the soil moist but don't over water or the roots can rot."

Whilst a third said: "The best thing you can do is protect the plant from the sun and water them frequently, making sure the soil is moist at all times."

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Mariam Khan