Hydrangea tree

Question: We have a hydrangea tree that is about 5 years old. It has always done well but for whatever reason this year the leaves are not growing properly.

responder: Best Regards,  Replied June 06, 2023, 11:30 AM EDT
response: Hello, Milton! Thank you for your question about your hydrangea tree. I absolutely love hydrangea and have many types in my gardens. This season has been a particularly hard one on hydrangea plants!  The reason that hydrangea leaves curl and cup, as in your hydrangea, is the inability of the plant to bring water to the leaves. There are many causes for this. The three most likely are drought, herbicidal injury and excess fertilizer. Drought – Cuyohoga County had very little rainfall in April and May. If you have not been supplementing the water for your hydrangeas as they emerged from winter dormancy, it might be the cause of the stunted leaves you are seeing. Interestingly, over-watering can cause similar symptoms. Keeping soil moist, but not wet is important for plant health. Herbicidal Injury - Spring is also a time when many yards and farms are being treated with herbicides. Herbicides can drift, sometimes a distance, with the wind to affect ornamental plants and damage emerging leaves. The injury is consistent with the photos you sent. (See article with photos regarding herbicidal injury near end of response.) Excess Fertilizer - The third most likely culprit is over fertilizing. If you applied fertilizer in the fall or in the spring, and if excess was applied it can have the effect of causing leaf curl. Although those are the most likely, I’m going to throw out one last thought in as to cause for the stunted leaves you are seeing. In your photo, I see you have a dog. (And a very handsome one!) Dog urine can cause soil to become over-salinated and cause problems such as you see in your hydrangea. If the area surrounding your plant is your dog’s “spot”, this could be the issue. Your next question might be: “Will my hydrangea survive and is there anything I can do to help it.” There is a good chance that the plant will recover. As to what you can do, in all cases (except over-watering, of course) consistent and sufficient watering is the first and most important step. If you haven’t fertilized your hydrangea for a while, a proper application of nutrients will help strengthen the plant, which can help it recover. Follow package directions carefully. In verifying an answer to your question, I consulted research-based sites. I’ve included links to the best of them below for your use, should you be interested in learning more. Please keep an eye out for new symptoms, which could indicate a different problem, such as a pest or pathogen. Weakened plants are more susceptible to both. Feel free to contact me if you see any new problems. You can reach me by responding to this email. Likewise, please feel free to respond if you need clarification or additional information about my response to your question.  Best of luck with your hydrangea. I hope it recovers. I would love to hear how it is doing. Herbicidal Injury https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ID/ID_184_W.pdf https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/hydrangea/curledcuppeddistortedleaves.html Ohioline Fact sheet https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1263

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 18, 2023, 5:13 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much! Very thorough and detailed. Definitely helpful. There was a gutter that dumped water on it I moved last year and I bet that is a big part of it. I haven't fertilized either so I am going to start doing that and very observant about the dog I didn't even realize she was in the picture. It is one of her favorite spots because it's on the sidewalk where all the other dogs go also. I appreciate the response and will take steps to keep it growing. Thanks again!

responder: Best Regards,  Replied June 19, 2023, 4:55 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your kind response. I am gratified to hear that it was helpful to you. I don't often hear back, so thank you for taking the time to reply.  I hope you will use our service for any future plant or garden questions.