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Hydrangea wilting

m_tariqsm_tariqs Posts: 23
Hi. I have planted 2 hydrangeas, bought from the same shop, same soil, in nearly the same location. The one that was the bigger/tougher one is wilting, im not sure why. Only thing i can think of is that i did have frost one night, but the other one is ok. Any ideas? Many thanks.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Hi @m_tariqs - the problem with those is that they've been 'forced' - a common situation at this time of year, when they're produced for sale as an Easter plant.
    They wouldn't normally be in flower until much later in the year, so they've been grown in very protected conditions, and when you've put them outside, they've not had the chance to acclimatise. Light frost will certainly cause the problem with the flowers, but if you've had them outside for a little while, they'll be ok. Unfortunately, they won't flower again later - ie at the correct time, this year, but will do so next year if they thrive.

    They aren't terribly suited to pot culture though. Better in the ground  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    Agree @Fairygirl the forcing of plants gives people the wrong impression of flowering time. Ours are only just starting to show the bare number of leaves and they have been in the ground for some years.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    In addition to @Fairygirl’s advice, you could try relocating both plants to a sheltered place like a covered doorway or garage overnight, or, as this may be impractical, use a couple of layers of horticultural fleece to provide protection until night time temperatures are consistently higher.  Because of the way your plants have been forced, they will be extra sensitive to frost until they have become acclimatised and well established.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - perhaps they're in a more exposed site, so a spot that's protected from any potential harsh weather will help. Especially, a site which isn't exposed to early sun, as that's also an additional stress. A semi shaded site, or even fully shaded for a couple of weeks should help all round  :)

    I've often wondered why hydrangeas are used in that way @bertrand-mabel. Could it be that the flowers are big and blousy, and people can have them as a table decoration for Easter or something? I've never looked into it, but it's something that's been going for a long time.
    I think a lot of them die though, as people don't always realise the size they get to, and they stay in small pots, or get kept indoors permanently. We frequently get people asking about them on the forum later in the year as they don't realise they're outdoor shrubs, not house plants.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • m_tariqsm_tariqs Posts: 23
    Thanks for the advice. Ill move them to the garden and into the ground. Yes the one i planted last year is just showing some leaves. Understand the issue with forced growing but i thought hydrangea were quite happy in big pots? What would you suggest i replace them with? Location is full sun, would love perennial and long flowering times:) What about coreopsis? I really like that one. Many thanks.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Hydrangea aren't always keen on full sun either, so you'd be wise to choose something else. Shrubby salvias would enjoy the full sun and cope OK with the narrow pots, but I don't think they'd be in proportion with the tall pots and might look a bit odd. I think it wants something tall and narrow-ish. Maybe some kind of ornamental grass if you like them?
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    No, they don't like full sun,clue in the name.... they need a lot of water. I do have one in a pot (don't tell Fairy!!) It is the most beautiful bright blue, I don't want it to change colour. It's under a eucalyptus. My garden is north facing.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You can keep them in a pot reasonably well if you know what you're doing with them, and the pot is suitable - but those pots in the pix aren't suitable for long term health of a hydrangea. The height/depth is ok, but they're very narrow and wouldn't have enough room for the roots to establish and spread properly. The soil has to be right, and needs amending each year too. Watering is also key.  Like any shrub, they're much harder work in containers  :)
    Hebes would be fine in those pots, especially ones which have a natural globe shape, but there are hundreds of varieties, so it's a case of choosing a suitable one  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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