Latest news with #Hydrangeas
The Sun
12-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
The real reason why your hydrangeas look brown and crispy – plus the mistakes you must avoid for them to bloom this May
HYDRANGEAS are beautiful when they bloom, but are yours looking rather brown and crispy? Well, if yours could do with some TLC and you aren't sure where to start, you've come to the right place as we've got all the handy tips and tricks you'll need. 2 2 Hydrangeas are known for their big, beautiful cluster flower heads, but it appears that many gardeners often do not know how to care for them properly, which can prevent them from flowering. With May in full swing, hydrangeas are just beginning to grow again, and gardeners often fertilise or prune them now to help encourage bigger blooms in the future. However, a gardening pro has revealed the big mistake people must avoid if they want their hydrangeas to bloom this month. Not only this, but Heather Stoven from Oregon State University, also shared the real reason why hydrangeas can sometimes look a bit worse for wear. Heather revealed the two gardening jobs that must be avoided, as she recommended: 'Avoid pruning; the resulting lush new growth will be sensitive to further damage from heat waves later in the summer. 'Also avoid fertilising as excess fertiliser can attract pests to the plant.' It may seem obvious to fertilise plants to get more flowers, but according to Heather, now that we're in May, it is far too early to feed hydrangeas. Fertilising hydrangeas now will result in weak growth that is unlikely to survive in the heat. Not only this, but it will also attract insects who look for softener foliage that is easier for them to eat. Many hydrangeas have already formed their flower buds and pruning them now will risk cutting off the blooms, meaning you will not get any flowers at all. How to get rid of garden weeds in minutes - and what not to do Doing so will stress out the plant when it is actually growing, further causing damage. However, according to the pro, hydrangeas are thirsty plants due to their big leaves which can quickly lose water. As a result, the biggest mistake many gardeners make is not watering them enough in May. It is crucial to water hydrangeas properly to help establish strong roots so they can retain more water once summer arrives. If hydrangeas do not get enough water while they are growing new roots, then the plant will not be strong enough to grow flowers and can even die if under too much stress. Heather acknowledged: 'If not enough water is available in the soil, or it is lost to the atmosphere faster than it can be replaced, then the plant tissue where the water can't reach will die. 'This is why we see so many brown, crispy leaf edges. It is also possible for high heat itself to cause tissue death.' According to Heather, the best way to help hydrangeas at the moment is to water them deeply and keep the soil hydrated. Having said that, you will need to make sure you are watering at the right time. Top 5 Spring Gardening Jobs *If you click a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue Nick Grey, Gtech Inventor and CEO shared the tasks to crack on with as Spring arrives. 1. Clean your garden Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months. Gtech's Garden Safety Kit includes durable gardening gloves and safety glasses; perfect for comfortability whilst tackling those outdoor tasks. 2. Weeding Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round. 3. Hedge maintenance Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the Gtech Lightweight Hedge Trimmer can help to keep your greenery looking sharp and neat. 4. Composting Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage. 5. Look after your lawn Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely. It is better to water hydrangeas in the morning as the hotter weather later on in the day will cause water evaporation, meaning a large proportion of moisture will not make it to the soil. Watering hydrangeas in the morning allows them to absorb water more efficiently and ensures roots are hydrated throughout the day, which in turn will help them grow stronger and healthier. Heather advised: 'Water plants deeply prior to the heat event so that the root zone is well hydrated.' If you choose the right time to water hydrangeas and do it consistently, this will ensure you help these beautiful plants grow to their full potential so you get lots of lovely big blooms once summer arrives.
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Cheapest plants to buy now to get your garden ready for summer including Ikea, Lidl and The Range
DOING up your garden makes it better for relaxing, entertaining and can even make your property more valuable. Pretty plants can make all the difference giving colour, attracting wildlife and adding interest to your green areas. 7 The shops are full of plants to give your garden an upgrade If you get carried away, you can end up spending a small fortune on shrubs and plants. However, there are bargains to be had too. So we've looked across the high street shops to find the best priced plants to upgrade your outdoor area this summer... Flamingo trees - The Range, £3.99 7 The Range is selling popular Flamingo trees Flamingo trees are the garden must-have. The striking tree with beautiful pink leaves blooms into colour every year. It's officially known as the Salix Flamingo or the Hakuro-Nishiki willow tree. The Range has the 60cm trees for £14.99 each or you can pick up two for £20. There's also a mini version for £3.99 each or you can get three for £10. Peonies 7 Lidl is stocking peonies for a limited time. A lovely romantic flower, peonies are a beautiful addition to the garden. When cared for properly, they'll bloom each year. Standby as Lidl is stocking the flowers for a fab price of £7.99. But you'll need to hurry as the plants are only avilable for a limited period. Olive tree - Lidl, £16.99 7 Lidl has olive trees in store Olive trees can look fab potted by front doors or on patios. These can be quite pricey and you'd usually be looking at spending £30-40 a pop. However, Lidl currenly has the plants for £16.99 making them a bit of a steal. You'll need to be quick though as the trees aren't a permamnent offering. Once they're gone, they're gone. Bedding plants - GardeningExpress, £1 7 Begonia Cascade Pink Add some colour to borders, planters or hanging baskets with cheap and cheerful bedding plants. Online retailer is a fab place to find cheap and cheerful plants often for as little as £1. The retailer does daily deals so keep checking in to see what's available if you don't fancy the offers when you first look. Hydrangeas - Ikea, £8 7 Pick up Hydrangeas from Ikea Hydrangeas are really pretty and will change colour depending on the soil they are in. The plants don't always come cheap, however, if you head to Ikea you can get top value shrubs. A 15cm potted version of the plant is available for £8 or you can get 23cm for £13. Strawberry and tomato plants - B&M, £1.50 7 Head to B&M to get deals on strawberry and tomato plants Credit: Alamy If you want to try your hand at growing some strawberries this year, B&M is a great place to get your hands on the plants at a decent price. You can buy the plants for £1.50 each or get five for £5. The same deal is also available on tomato plants if you want to branch out and grow more food types.
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Hydrangeas turn crispy and burnt in the heat but there's one way to stop them
As Britain gets its first taste of hot weather, gardeners are being warned over the detrimental effects the heat can have on a garden staple; the hydrangea Hydrangeas grow big, beautiful, and vibrant blooms in summer - but blistering temperatures have the potential to ruin this for everyone. And it's not just the hot sun beating down on your garden that can do the damage, it's improper watering that can cause hydrangea leaves to turn crispy and burnt. As reported by The Express, gardeners are urged to take extra care when it comes to their plants, especially hydrangeas, which are most likely to get stressed during hot temperatures. Hydrangeas are known to be quite sensitive to drastic weather conditions. During really hot weather, unbearable strong sunlight can dry the soil. This causes plants to suffer and potentially die. Without the right amount of water, hydrangea leaves can become brown and crispy, known as 'leaf scorch.' A spokesperson from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) highlighted the importance of watering plants - and at the correct times. They said: "Hydrangeas need consistent moisture to thrive, especially during periods of intense heat. It's crucial to water them deeply and regularly to prevent the soil from drying out completely." Burnt leaves are a sign of heat stress or insufficient watering. This happens when they become brown or crispy. If you notice your hydrangeas are starting to lose colour, adjust the watering schedule. How to properly water hydrangeas In the morning: It's best to water plants in the morning, as this will allow the plants to absorb the moisture before the temperatures increase throughout the day. Deep watering: Make sure that the water is reaching the roots. Watering it lightly isn't good enough. It's recommended to do at least one inch of water per week, but more during the summer. Don't overwater plants: This is a common mistake that must be avoided. Despite plants needing water to survive, it doesn't mean they should be drowned in them. Protect them from the sun: During the summer and the highest temperatures, providing shade to hydrangeas can protect them from leaf scorch. Dr Sarah Jones, a horticulturist from the RHS, advises: "If your hydrangeas are showing signs of leaf scorch, increase the frequency and depth of watering. Remove any severely damaged leaves to encourage new growth and continue to monitor the plants closely." Gardeners should also consider planting hydrangeas where they receive enough morning sunshine and good shade in the afternoon. By doing so, it will prevent them from getting damaged. By following these simple steps, gardeners can rest assured that their plants, especially their hydrangeas, look their best for the warmer months ahead.
