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Hydrangea leaf discoloration

I have three Hydrangea 'Bluebird' that I planted in early April. They seemed to be doing fine, but a few weeks ago some of their leaves started to take on a purplish cast (I tried to upload a photo, but it's not cooperating). It doesn't look unattractive, really, but am worried something's wrong. We've had some bad wind storms since the time they were planted, so could it be from stress? 

Another strange thing--some of the flower buds seem to be opening already, even though it's not meant to flower until July. And they're opening up white/light lime green instead of blue...any ideas what's going on?

Posts

  • Andy19Andy19 Posts: 671

    Leslie mine is the same just the cold winds up here in Scotland. Because we had that hot spell in April the plant thought it was summer. Then it got really cold once there's some heat in the air things will be fine again am sure.

  • Leslie ALeslie A Posts: 9

    That's reassuring--I didn't know if it was just me or what. I'm hoping the terrible winds will stay away for a good while now!

  • Mine are the same and I've put it down to a touch of frost but might be a spell of cold windy weather. Some leaves have shrivelled at the edges which doesn't make them look very nice. Could I prune them back or is it too late now?

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,138

    You could nip off the individual leaves if they're spoiling the look of the plant - it'd be better than pruning and losing blooms image


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





  • Katherine WKatherine W Posts: 410

    Hydrangeas always open pale green, and slowly turn the colour they are supposed to be.

    Small, freshly planted specimens may also flower early or late, or not at all... their metabolism is all ahoo. It will take a year or two before they settle down and behave sensible.

  • Leslie ALeslie A Posts: 9

    That's helpful to know, Katherine--I was almost thinking I was sold the wrong plant.

  • Katherine WKatherine W Posts: 410

    You are welcome. image

    I love hydrangeas, they are beautiful, and also maddening. Yours may still turn out pink if the ground is not acid enough and the minerals are not "just so".

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