Follow up to flowering shrub question.?

Question

Ok, I found the tag for my shrub with the withering leaves. It is a
Pink Beauty Hydrangea. Just planted this spring, in morning and evening the leaves are curling up. They have good color and other than the curling, the plant looks to be very healthy. What could cause it to look withered like this?

Answer 1

What you're seeing is wilting from water stress, and it is common on newly planted Hydrangeas (especially when they are in a sunny location). It has nothing to do with nutrients; nutrient deficiencies do not cause wilting. Here are a few basic pointers on taking care of the plant:

1. Water it every 3-5 days, but at each watering put at least 5 gallons of water on it. Make sure you release the water slowly (with a hose at a trickle or a bucket with a small hole in it). You want the water to soak down through the root system. If you water it every day (or multiple times each day) the plant will develop a very shallow root system. This shallow root system will lead to further wilting. If you water the plant deelpy and less frequently the roots will become more self sufficient. Which willl minimize your need to water in the future.

2. Check the soil around the plant. If it is high in sand or stone content it will not hold moisture for the plant. If you choose to add something, make sure it is finished compost or topsoil (not peat moss or mushroom soil). Make sure the added soil, if it is necessary, is added well into the soil and not just at the surface.

Pink Beauty Hydrangeas are beautiful plants. Enjoy!

Answer 2

It just need lots of water. My hydrangea does exactly the same thing. I'll give it a gallon or so of water and in a little while it's perked right back up again. You must have hot summers like I do.

Answer 3

It needs water, also read up on Hydrangea's they are a little tricky about fertilizer, soil PH and trimmings.

Answer 4

You may need trace elements added to the soil.