- How much water does hydrangea need in summer?
- In July, an established planting needs roughly this many gallons per square foot: 1.61 in the North-Central Coastal zone, 4.27 in the Central Valley zone, 1.98 in the South Coastal zone, 4.02 in the South Inland zone. Figures are computed from the WUCOLS rating for Hydrangea macrophylla & cvs. and each zone's reference evapotranspiration, and they are plant needs before irrigation system losses.
- Does watering for hydrangea change across California?
- Yes. WUCOLS rates hydrangea separately for each of the six California climate zones: moderate water in the North-Central Coastal zone, high water in the Central Valley zone, moderate water in the South Coastal zone, high water in the South Inland zone, not suited to this region in the High and Intermediate Desert zone, not suited to this region in the Low Desert zone. The monthly table above shows how the same rating translates into different gallon amounts as reference evapotranspiration changes.
- Why does my hydrangea wilt every afternoon even though the soil is moist?
- On hot days the huge leaves lose water faster than the roots can replace it, so afternoon drooping is normal and not proof of dry soil. If the plant perks up by evening and the soil is still moist an inch or two down, leave it alone, since watering a wilted plant in wet soil invites root rot. Only a plant that is still limp the next morning truly needs a drink.
- Can you overwater a hydrangea?
- Yes. Hydrangeas want moist soil, not waterlogged soil, and standing water pushes air out of the root zone until the roots rot. The warning signs are yellowing leaves that drop, a plant that wilts even though the bed is wet, and soil that never dries at the surface. Let the top inch or two dry before watering again, and improve drainage in heavy clay.
- How should I water a newly planted hydrangea?
- Keep the root ball itself evenly moist through the first summer, not just the surrounding bed, because a nursery root ball dries out faster than garden soil and roots cannot yet reach beyond it. Check by pushing a finger into the original root ball, water slowly at the base when it starts to dry, and mulch right away to protect the shallow roots.
- Is drip irrigation good for hydrangeas?
- Yes, drip suits them well as long as it covers enough ground. The root system is shallow and spreads wide, so use several emitters or a ring of in-line drip tubing around the dripline rather than a single emitter at the stem. Drip also keeps water off the leaves and flower heads, which cuts down on leaf spot and keeps blooms from flopping under spray.
- Do hydrangeas need water in winter in California?
- In the ground, usually not. The plant is bare and dormant, and winter rain covers it across most of the state. Water only during a long dry spell between storms, and keep an eye on containers, which dry out faster than garden beds even in cool weather. Regular watering resumes as new leaves push out in spring.
- Why are my hydrangea leaves turning brown at the edges?
- Crispy brown edges usually mean the plant dried out between waterings or got scorched by hot afternoon sun, and the two often happen together in inland gardens. Give it a slow, deep soak, mulch the root zone, and add afternoon shade if the leaves face west. If leaves are yellowing rather than browning, look at overwatering or alkaline soil instead of thirst.