Hydrangea Yellow Leaves – How to Revitalize Yellow Hydrangea Leaves
Hydrangea yellow leaves may turn yellow due to nutrient deficiencies, environmental stress or disease. Whether your plant is in the ground or in a pot, there are ways to nurse it back to health and regain its verdant glory. Treating soil pH imbalances, ensuring proper nutrient uptake, practicing mindful watering, guarding against disease, mitigating environmental stress and adding compost and mulch can all contribute to revitalizing your hydrangea’s foliage.
Hydrangeas need a well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. If your garden or potting soil is too alkaline to accommodate your plants, add amends like elemental sulfur or aluminum sulfate to lower the pH level. Alternatively, you can use a potting mix that is specifically designed for acid-loving plants.
If your hydrangea’s lower, older leaves turn light yellow while the veins remain green, it is an indication that the plant lacks nitrogen. In this case, the best remedy is to apply a spring treatment of a balanced fertilizer for acid-loving plants.
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Iron chlorosis is another nutrient deficiency that causes hydrangeas to lose their luster. The condition occurs when the hydrangea cannot absorb iron, which is necessary for the production of chlorophyll, resulting in yellow leaves. This problem is typically caused by a loss of soil acidity or very calcareous watering (a sudden increase in pH). Adding an organic iron-rich fertilizer such as chelated iron to the soil will resolve this issue. In extreme cases, you can also try repotting the hydrangea into a fresh container with a light, airy potting mixture.
