I have a hydrangea that is approximately 50 years old. It has always been in full bloom, measures 3 feet high and 5 feet wide. Within the last two days the leaves have fallen off, (new leaves as well as old). There are no signs of leaf rot, galls, or insect activity. The plant stems are very visable and the plant looks like its going bald. It usually appears like this in the fall. It gets watered every other day as it has been extremely hot and humid. The other hydrangeas in the same area are doing fine. I live in New Jersey in the shore area. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks Carol
Watering it every second day may be too frequent for a 50 year old established plant? While Hydrangeas do like their water, you may have encourged a fungal root rot infection (ie. Phytophthora). Water less frequently (once or twice a week) in future and hopefully the plant is not a goner (you might not know for sure until next spring) Simon
Ron, Is there a special mulch compost I need to purchase? Should I add chelated iron as the leaves are yellow? Thanks Carol
