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Yellow Hydrangea Leaves: Causes and Solutions

Yellowing leaves on hydrangeas are often a sign of environmental stress, nutrient deficiencies, or improper care.

Yellow Leaves on Hydrangea, Hydrangea yellow leaves, Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves on hydrangeas can indicate several underlying issues. These include environmental stress, nutrient deficiencies, improper watering, or pest infestations. Addressing these causes promptly ensures the plant stays healthy and maintains its vibrant appearance. Below is an in-depth discussion of the most common reasons hydrangea leaves turn yellow, along with remedies to restore the plant to optimal health.

Overwatering and Poor Drainage

Hydrangeas thrive in moist, well-drained soil, but too much water can suffocate the roots. When the roots cannot absorb oxygen properly, the plant struggles to take up nutrients, causing the leaves to turn yellow. This is a common issue in heavy soils that retain water or with overzealous watering practices.

Solution:

  • Ensure the soil drains well and does not remain soggy.
  • Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
  • If the plant is in a pot, use containers with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging​.

Nikko Blue Hydrangea, Blue Hydrangea, Hydrangea Flowers, Hydrangea macrophylla, Bigleaf Hydrangea
Nikko Blue Hydrangea – Hydrangea macrophylla or Bigleaf Hydrangea

Underwatering

While hydrangeas need consistent moisture, underwatering can also cause the leaves to turn yellow. When the plant becomes stressed due to a lack of water, it conserves energy by turning leaves yellow and dropping them.

Solution:

  • Water deeply, especially during dry spells.
  • Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture.
  • Monitor the soil regularly to maintain even moisture levels​

Limelight Hydrangea, Panicle Hydrangea, Hydrangra Paniculata, Hydrangea, Hydrangea flowers, White HydrangeaLimelight Hydrangea – Hydrangea paniculata or Panicle Hydrangea

Nutrient Deficiency

Yellowing leaves may also result from a lack of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, iron, or magnesium. Nitrogen deficiency causes the older leaves to yellow, while a lack of iron leads to interveinal chlorosis—yellowing between the veins of young leaves.

Solution:

Peegee Hydrangea, Hydrangea paniculata Grandiflora, Panicle Hydrangea, Hydrangea treePeegee Hydrangea – Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’

Improper Soil pH

Hydrangeas are sensitive to soil pH. If the pH is too high or low, the plant may struggle to absorb essential nutrients, leading to yellow leaves. This problem is particularly noticeable in Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea), which prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.

Solution:

  • Test the soil’s pH level using a soil test kit.
  • If the soil is too alkaline, add sulfur or acidic mulch.
  • If the soil is too acidic, amend with lime to raise the pH

Annabelle Hydrangea, White Hydrangea, Hydrangea arborescens, Smooth HydrangeaAnnabelle Hydrangea – Hydrangea arborescens or Smooth Hydrangea

Temperature Stress

Sudden changes in temperature can cause hydrangea leaves to yellow. Excessive heat or cold snaps may stress the plant, leading to yellowing and wilting of foliage. Hydrangeas are particularly sensitive to frost damage, which affects leaf health.

Solution:

  • Protect plants from frost with covers during unexpected cold spells.
  • Provide partial shade in hot climates to prevent heat stress.
  • Mulch around the base to insulate roots from temperature fluctuations​

Strawberry Vanilla Hydrangea, Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea, Vanille Fraise Hydrangea, Renhy HydrangeaStrawberry Vanilla Hydrangea – Hydrangea paniculata or Panicle Hydrangea

Transplant Shock

Transplanting hydrangeas can stress the plant, causing the leaves to yellow and drop as the roots adjust to the new environment. This is more common when the plant is moved during the growing season.

Solution:

  • Water consistently after transplanting to reduce stress.
  • Mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
  • Allow the plant time to establish in its new location

Pinky Winky Hydrangea, Hydrangea Paniculata Pinky Winky, Hydrangea Pinky Winky, Panicle Hydrangea Pinky Winky, Paniculate Hydrangea Pinky Winky, Pink Flowers, Pinky Winky Hydrangea – Hydrangea paniculata or Panicle Hydrangea

Too Much Fertilizer

While hydrangeas benefit from regular feeding, over-fertilizing can damage roots and cause leaf yellowing. High concentrations of nitrogen, in particular, may cause foliage issues.

Solution:

  • Follow recommended fertilizer guidelines and avoid overapplication.
  • Use a balanced fertilizer to prevent excessive nitrogen buildup.
  • Flush the soil with water if over-fertilization is suspected

Hydrangea Paniculata Bobo, Bobo Hydrangea, Hydrangea Bobo, Panicle Hydrangea Bobo, Paniculate Hydrangea Bobo, Hydrangea paniculata 'Ilvobo',  Pink Hydrangea, White HydrangeaBobo Hydrangea – Hydrangea paniculata or Panicle Hydrangea

Pests and Diseases

Pests like aphids and spider mites, can weaken hydrangeas by feeding on sap, causing yellowing leaves. Additionally, fungal infections such as powdery mildew and root rot can also lead to discoloration and decline in leaf health.

Solution:

Hydrangea macrophylla, Bigleaf Hydrangea, Big Leaf Hydrangea, Blue HydrangeaAll Summer Beauty – Hydrangea macrophylla or Bigleaf Hydrangea

Old Foliage Shedding

It is natural for hydrangeas to shed older leaves as part of their growth cycle. These leaves may turn yellow and drop off, especially at the base of the plant.

Solution:

  • Prune yellowing leaves if they are unsightly, but this is generally not a cause for concern.
  • Monitor the plant to ensure new growth remains healthy​

Hydrangea Macrophylla 'Sumida No Hanabi', Bigleaf Hydrangea 'Sumida No Hanabi', Lacecap Hydrangea 'Sumida No Hanabi', Hydrangea macrophylla 'Fuji Waterfall', Hydrangea macrophylla 'Shooting Star', Hydrangea macrophylla 'Hanabi', White flowers, White HydrangeaSumida-no-hanabi Hydrangea – Hydrangea macrophylla or Bigleaf Hydrangea

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Fix Yellowing Hydrangea Leaves?

Fixing yellowing leaves requires addressing the underlying issue:

  • Adjust Watering: Ensure consistent watering, avoiding both overwatering and underwatering. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
  • Correct Nutrient Deficiencies: Use a balanced fertilizer and, if needed, chelated iron supplements for iron chlorosis.
  • Test Soil pH: Hydrangeas thrive in slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5). Adjust with sulfur or lime as needed.
  • Treat Pests: Inspect for aphids or spider mites and use insecticidal soap if necessary.
  • Improve Drainage: If soil is too heavy, mix in organic matter to prevent waterlogging​.

What Do Overwatered Hydrangea Leaves Look Like?

Overwatered hydrangeas often exhibit yellowing leaves, especially on lower stems, and wilting even though the soil is wet. The leaves may appear droopy, mushy, or develop brown edges. In severe cases, root rot can occur, causing leaf drop and plant decline.


How Do You Tell If Hydrangea is Overwatered or Underwatered?

  • Overwatered Hydrangea: Leaves are yellow, limp, and may drop. The soil feels soggy, and there’s a risk of root rot.
  • Underwatered Hydrangea: Leaves become crisp or dry, and the plant wilts but perks up after watering. Soil feels dry and pulls away from the edges of the container or planting bed.

How Do I Know If My Hydrangea Needs More Water?

  • Soil Check: Stick your finger into the soil about 1-2 inches deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
  • Wilting Recovery: If the plant wilts and recovers quickly after watering, it likely needs more frequent hydration.
  • Leaf Appearance: Dry, browning edges indicate water stress, suggesting more frequent watering is necessary. Ensure the plant gets consistent moisture, especially during hot weather.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Hydrangeaceae
Genus Hydrangea
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers

Garden Examples

A Lovely Contemporary Garden Idea
A Majestic Walkway
An Elegant Shady Corner
Compare All Hydrangea
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Hydrangea
Guides with
Hydrangea
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Hydrangeaceae
Genus Hydrangea
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Compare All Hydrangea
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Hydrangea
Guides with
Hydrangea

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