Q.What To Do With Torched Incrediball Hydrangea Bushes?
I planted three Incrediball Hydrangeas this spring and they were doing great until the summer hit. I live in Houston, Texas and the plants get morning and midday sun until about 1:00pm. The leaves and blooms started drying up and turning brown. I raised the plants up so they get better drainage in the bed, installed drip irrigation, and put sun screen structures over them, too. I took the dead leaves off the plant and deadheaded the dried up blooms. What’s left is a bunch of dried up twigs. Should I cut them to the ground now or wait until spring? Is it normal for hydrangeas to lose their leaves like this in Houston?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
It is not normal, unless they get too much sun. Pruning out dead growth can help, but be sure that you do not overwater them in compensation for hot weather.
The shade is the best way to combat sun for these shrubs. Likely, overwatering may have had some affect here too.
Make sure that the soil has a chance to dry out, thoroughly, down to about 2 or 3 inches between waterings.
From here, you will want to apply a fungicide, and trim dead growth. Here is an article that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
