My Potted Hydrangea Leaves Dropping, Have I Overwatered

Question

My granddaughter bought me this hydrangea, she is just getting over leukaemia, so this plant means a lot to me. It was looking healthy with loads of leave and buds and I was going to put in a tub at front door, but to my regret decided to try and change from pink to blue flowers. I bought Vitax Hydrangea colourant, I think I mixed too much in the plants drinking water, so to try and right things I stood the plant in only plain water for a few days to try and dilute what I’d used. Even if look at the plant now it drops leaves. So wondering have I overwatered….not watered enough even. Should I change the compost would that help to revive it. Will I get flowers this year

• 

Answer 1

You will, definitely, need to change out the soil. It is likely too rich and disease ridden from the soak, now.

I would opt for a mix of potting soil and compost. Make sure to follow all instruction, carefully, to avoid overfeeding, and only water when the top 3 inches of soil is completely dry. This will help to prevent overwatering. In fact, after watering, take the inside container out and dump off any extra standing water in the second container.

Here is an article that will help you to care for the shrub in container:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/hydrangea-container-care.htm