Hydrangeas are an essential plant to most gardens given their gorgeous display in summer.
These shrubs practically explode with beautiful flowers throughout the warmer months, so it can be extremely frustrating when hydrangeas don’t look their best.
Saddened by the state of her dry and browned hydrangeas, Kelly Suzanne took to the Hydrangeas in the UK Facebook page to show her plant and ask for advice. She said: “Have I killed mine?”
In the comments section, group members shared their opinions. They claimed that it’s normal for hydrangeas to look like that and suggested what to do as winter draws closer.
As the delicate petals fade in the colder months, bright hydrangeas can quickly appear dry and brown – requiring targeted care to get them flowering again.
Gardening lovers recommended Kelly leave the plant as is, then in March go in and deadhead the faded flower heads.
Michelle Johnson said: “No this is normal they die back like this. Once you see the new shoots in March cut the flowers off to the new buds.”
Rik Warburton wrote: “No it’s snoozing. Deadhead it after last frost/March and it will grow back bigger and better.”
Jill Shead commented: “Mine are the same. I have one that is about 15 years old and two others that are two to three years old. I won’t touch them until maybe March, leave dead flowers on.”
Maxine Evans said: “I thought the same thing too as I didn’t realise they lost their leaves! Thankfully, I think I know what to do now in March and will leave the dead blooms on for protection over winter.
Deadheading is an “easy gardening task that many people enjoy”, according to the experts at Millcreek Gardens.
To deadhead hydrangeas, you need only a pair of garden gloves, pruners, and a container to hold the faded flowers.
It is recommended that hydrangeas be deadheaded after winter and throughout the blooming season to “keep hydrangeas looking their best and encourage new flower growth.”
To deadhead your hydrangeas, simply take each spent bloom and follow its stem down to the next set of large leaves – that’s where you cut.