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What’s happened here?

Edward.francisEdward.francis Posts: 123
in Problem solving
Good evening,

Can anyone tell me what’s happened to our Hydrangea Deep Purple? It was really looking healthy but over the last few days it’s not looking so great. I thought it may have been the cold snap we’re having but it should be OK down to -15. 

Any ideas?


Posts

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Exactly what you suspected, and you're not the only one: https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1052259/hydrangea-has-gone-brown-in-a-week#latest

    will get some fleece on mine tonight, but at least we expect about 0C tonight. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    The plant can survive temperatures below-freezing when dormant, but like most perennials, the new leaves are not frost-proof so will be damaged but later replaced.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Frost has nipped the tops,  that’s why I don’t do any cutting back until end of April. The top growth protects the lower shoots,  What is that white powdery stuff around it?
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • Edward.francisEdward.francis Posts: 123
    Thanks everyone. I’ll see if I can keep it warm tonight. 


  • Edward.francisEdward.francis Posts: 123
    Hello again,

    I've bought a frost fleece. The forecast for the next few evenings is -1 deg C so should I be putting the fleece on my plants overnight?

    Many thanks,

    Ed
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    edited April 2021
    What plants are they? If it's the hydrangeas from earlier in the thread, then yes, it won't hurt to cover them overnight (although the damage is most likely already done).
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Edward.francisEdward.francis Posts: 123
    Yes Hydrangeas. I also have a couple of roses. Claire Austin and Crimson shower a Camellia and I have just planted Peonies, alliums, Heucheras, Cat mint amongst others. I think I’ll
    just cover everything to be safe.  
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    The others should be fine, except maybe the camellia if it's in an east-facing location. Getting early morning sun on the flowers after a frost turns them brown quickly.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Edward.francisEdward.francis Posts: 123
    Our camellia is actually on a north facing fence so it doesn't get the morning sun. I hope that will be OK as it's looking great at the moment.

    Thank you for your help.

    Ed
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