Marianne's Response
Dying Hydrangea

I planted a couple hydrangeas about 3-4 weeks ago. One is doing great! The other one is wilting terribly and I can’t seem to revive it.
They’re both planted in almost clay like soil. I watered them the same amount to begin with. When I noticed the one was starting to wilt I watered it a little extra – possibly too much. The wilting one does get an hour or two more direct morning sun. I tried putting some fresh dirt around it yesterday and loosening the root ball a bit. Is there anything I can do to save it?
Posted by Liz Freed on June 5, 2020
Marianne's Response
Hydrangeas do not like clay soil. It holds too much water and rots the roots. Perhaps you can build a mound or raised bed so the roots do not sit in water. Work lots of organic matter into your raised beds as hydrangeas love soil that is high in organic matter. Don't give up. I have seen wilted hydrangeas revive after a couple of days. You still should consider raised beds however due to your clay soil. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti