Climbing Hydrangea - Is it dead?

daniel.watts · June 2019

All,

I planted three climbing hydrangeas against a north facing garage well about 12 months ago. Two of them are doing really well, but one doesn't look well at all. It started to shoot leaves in Spring but then everything came to a halt for some reason.

Any advice/insight appreciated.

Thanks,

Daniel

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/61/jttaucu5cj8a.jpg

Borderline · June 2019

It looks alive to me. Maybe two dead stems that could be pruned out. Sometimes, some plants are just slower to get going, and there are a number of reasons. Poor planting preparations. Too many other plant roots from neighbouring plants competing for water and soil space. Hydrangeas are very thirsty plants. They need a lot of water, especially if the soil is quite free draining.

Looking at your photos, with a box shrub in front, it will need extra watering. Personally, I don't think you need three Hydrangeas planted so close to one another, I believe they will fan out eventually and cover a lot of wall space.

Robmarston · June 2019

I agree with Borderline. Also climbing hydrangeas are known for doing very little in the first year. You need patience. But once they get going just one would cover that wall. In the meantime - water, water, water.

Fairygirl · June 2019

I'd take two of those out, but in the meantime - yes, as the others have said, water is needed, and they do take a couple of years to get going properly.

One on it's own will easily cover a garage wall - even a large garage. There's a very nice one not far from me which covers the front of their house. It's very well maintained, but would easily be up over the roof and round the sides if it wasn't.

Climbing Hydrangea - Is it dead?

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