Hydrangeas Are Facing A Major Rise In Disease Risk: Here's Why

Are you a big fan of hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.)? You're not alone. Native to Asia, these popular flowering perennials boast showy summer blooms in colors like pink, purple, blue, and white. They're commonly planted as ornamentals in USDA Hardiness zones 3 through 9 and look lovely when paired with ground cover plants as companions.

That said, there is one newer concern that gardeners need to be aware of: namely, an increased risk of disease with these gorgeous flowers as a result of climate change. Hydrangeas need shade, mild temperatures, and adequate moisture (but not too much!) to stay happy and healthy. With global temperatures rising, many regions of the country are experiencing more extreme weather patterns that can negatively impact gardening — think intense heatwaves, prolonged droughts, and increased dryness in the atmosphere. 

These conditions aren't conducive to successfully growing hydrangeas and keeping them disease-free, which is why some pros are recommending that folks avoid planting them altogether. Should you need to revive dying or diseased hydrangeas without making the problem worse — and keep them healthy in the first place — here's what you need to know.

We can't control the weather, but if you've already planted hydrangeas in your garden, there are some steps you can take to protect them from becoming diseased. Careful, consistent monitoring is one strategy. Keep a closer eye on your hydrangeas, and look out for signals that they might be getting too much sun, rotting at the roots, or afflicted by garden pests such as spider mites. Telltale signs include faded colors, wilting, bronzed, or scorched foliage, and stunted growth. 

Hydrangeas are famously susceptible to heat stress. Is your area experiencing a long, hot dry spell? Give your hydrangeas extra water to compensate for it, but don't go overboard — over-watering is a common mistake people make when growing hydrangeas. This can cause your plant to become waterlogged at the roots or infected with fungal diseases, resulting in browned or droopy leaves. If excessive sunlight is weakening your plant, using a shade cloth or bedsheet to temporarily block out light could help.

The reality is this: Depending on the weather in your area, switching up your inspection or watering habits still might not be enough to protect your hydrangeas from disease. And these strategies are quite high-maintenance, which isn't ideal for inexperienced or hobby gardeners. If you've yet to plant them, consider ditching hydrangeas for hardier, climate-resistant alternatives. You can also grow a variety of hydrangea that are more adaptable and can tolerate some dryness, such as Hydrangea paniculata. Though this won't guarantee fuss-free growing, it may improve your chances of keeping your plant alive and disease-free.