Garden enthusiasts advised to ditch hydrangeas due to 'silent killer'

Daily Record

6 days ago

Gardeners have been issued a warning about a "silent killer" that is causing hydrangeas to die out - but it's not too late to save your beloved flowers with these alternatives
For those keen to retain the colourful splendour of their gardens a little longer, there's an urgent need to consider alternatives to hydrangeas before time runs out. Garden experts are being warned about the hidden risk posed by your cherished hydrangeas— it may seem a bit over the top, but without prompt action to find replacements, your garden could lose its charm.
Sadly, with global warming exacerbating, our domestic gardens are increasingly under threat, transforming into battlegrounds where only the fittest survive. The escalating climate crisis is putting our beloved flora under great strain, and horticultural experts advise us to be conscious of this as we nurture our preferred plants.
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In an era where temperatures continue to soar, water-loving species like hydrangeas struggle against the drier conditions they now face.
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Even in locales historically ideal for these plants, they're yielding to the pressures of extended dry spells and relentless heatwaves, reports Nottinghamshire Live.
Reflecting these concerns, one nursery owner shared with the Farmiddable Observer: "I lost nearly 70% of my hydrangea collection during the 2022 heatwaves despite daily watering. The climate simply doesn't support them anymore."
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Symptoms that a hydrangea is dying involve foliage that appears burnt, leaves curling due to stress, and once vibrant colours morphing into a dull beige.
Furthermore, if the stems droop instead of standing strong, it's a clear sign that your plant is in grave trouble.
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Professional gardeners are increasingly recommending their clients to consider more drought-tolerant alternatives that still offer a splash of colour but require less water.
Suggestions such as lavender, ceanothus, and Russian sage are put forward, all of which bloom with an array of stunning flowers and have significantly lower maintenance needs.
For added ease, it's suggested that gardeners plant drought-resistant bulbs in traditionally cooler and wetter areas to foster a resilient garden.
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These could encompass autumn-flowering perennials and strategic spring plantings, ideally introduced into your garden before the onset of heatwaves.
As gardening practices adapt with a climate-conscious perspective, the trend of moving away from hydrangeas seems to be just the beginning.
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By modifying our planting choices, we're not only recognising the realities of our changing climate, but we can also contribute to reducing the amount of water used for plant care.
The energy previously spent on maintaining hydrangeas can be redirected towards nurturing other plants that will thrive effortlessly under these conditions.
If you are persisting with your hydrangeas this summer, then Alan Titchmarsh has shared several care tips in an Instagram video. In the caption, the gardening expert shared how Brits can make their plants "really shine".
the Express.
He added: "Blue ones need acidic soil to stay blue, I'm happy with pink."