My wilting leaves are my most obvious distress signal, and nine times out of ten, it's a desperate cry for water. As a hydrangea, my name literally means "water vessel" in Greek ("hydor" for water, "angos" for vessel). My large, thin leaves and abundant flower heads lose moisture rapidly, especially on hot, sunny, or windy days. Poke your finger into my soil about 2-3 inches deep. If it feels dry, I need a deep, thorough soaking right at my base. Avoid just sprinkling my leaves; that can promote fungal diseases. My roots need a long, slow drink to properly rehydrate me.
If you've watered me and I'm still wilting, the problem might be below the surface. My roots could be drowning. Soggy, waterlogged soil suffocates my root system, preventing it from absorbing oxygen and nutrients, which also leads to wilting. Check for poor drainage. Alternatively, my roots could be pot-bound if I'm in a container, circling themselves so tightly that they can't take up water effectively. Gently remove me from my pot to investigate. For both overwatering and being root-bound, the solution is repotting me into fresh, well-draining soil and a appropriately sized container with good drainage holes.
My ideal location offers bright, dappled morning sun and protection from the intense, scorching afternoon rays. Too much direct sun, especially in hotter climates, will bake my leaves and flowers, causing them to wilt, crisp, and brown. Similarly, a very windy spot will strip moisture from my foliage faster than my roots can replace it. If my pot is in such a location, please move me to a more sheltered area. If I'm planted in the ground, consider providing temporary shade during the hottest part of the day or planting a protective companion to shield me.
If I was recently moved or planted, my wilting is likely due to transplant shock. My root system is stressed and struggling to establish itself in its new environment, disrupting my water uptake. Be patient and ensure I receive consistent, deep watering to help my roots settle. You can also apply a layer of organic mulch around my base (but not touching my stem) to help retain soil moisture and keep my roots cool. Avoid fertilizing me during this period, as it will add further stress.
While it may seem counterintuitive, carefully removing my most severely wilted or dead leaves and flowers can help me recover. This reduces the overall surface area from which I lose precious water and allows me to redirect my limited energy into regenerating a healthy root system and new growth. Use clean, sharp pruners and make clean cuts. However, do not give me a hard prune; the goal is gentle relief, not a major operation, which could send me into further shock.
