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Brown patches on climbing hydrangea

CambridgeGreenCambridgeGreen Posts: 11
in Problem solving
Hi there
I have a climbing hydrangea petiolaris in a large terracotta pot on a balcony which has developed dry brown patches on some lower leaves and brand new leaves higher up. 

It is against a sunny east facing wall in a sheltered corner position. It has morning sun until around 12pm then shade for the rest of the day. I’ve only had it a few weeks and it’s grown quite quickly but these patches have now started appearing. I water every day and make sure the soil is moist below the surface.

Does anyone know what could be causing this?

Should I be using any kind of plant food on it? I have some Vitax Q4 fertiliser pellets, would that help?

I could move it to the other side of the balcony and it would be in shade all day, would that be better?

Also, does anyone know if a large Air-Pot would be more suitable?

I know that it’s not ideal to have this plant in a container as they grow very large, but it was a gift so I’m keen to keep it if possible. 

Thanks for your help 


Posts

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    It's a shame as it was a gift, but there really is no way you can keep this plant happy in a pot. Even mophead hydrangeas struggle and this one wants to be away and up a tree or a wall. If it did start to grow well you would have a different problem!
    Can you donate it or swap it for something more suitable by which to remember the donor? If you are able to see a  good, vigourous specimen  anywhere near, perhaps take them to see it and both have a really good laugh about growing it on a balcony?
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd agree with @Buttercupdays. It doesn't matter how big a pot you have, it won't be happy. They need to be in the ground to succeed.

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • CambridgeGreenCambridgeGreen Posts: 11
    Thanks for your replies, I was a bit worried about potting it  :/

    Are the brown marks caused by the pot?

    It is quite a large balcony - 4x4metres, it has a two storey wall to climb up the back of the house and is along side a 4m fence. Is there any type or size of pot that would give it any sort of chance?

    thanks so much 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    2x2m minimum ... and then it won’t be really happy ... and your balcony will probably collapse from the weight of the damp soil
    ... cos it needs John Innes No 3 soil/Liam based compost ... not the light fluffy Multipurpose type.  

    I’m sorry to sound so brutal ... it’s a plant that I love ... if I could think of a way for you to make it happy I would tell you, but there isn’t and I can’t 😢 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • CambridgeGreenCambridgeGreen Posts: 11
    Thank you so much and for all your replies. It’s what i was worried about. I’ll ask around and see if anyone can rehome it for me. Such a shame, when it sent out new shoots I got really excited!

    I have just posted another question in tools and techniques re Air-pots and suitable balcony plants and climbers so fingers crossed I can find something more suitable 
    Thanks all  :)
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