Question
Hi Tom,

Your expertise has been very helpful in the past, and I'm hoping you have experience with hydrangeas.

I recently acquired a small bush of them which had apparently been allowed to accumulate some water because the tips edges of some of the leaves had turned quite brown.  Can I trim the ugly brown off those leaves without putting a drain on the plant's healing energy, or would you maybe advise that I remove these leaves altogether, or just leave them alone?

I have transplanted it, and I make sure the soil is not allowed to get soggy.  My concerns are as much cosmetic as for the health of the plant.  These leaves really detract from the gorgeous blue beauty of the blossoms.

Thanks,

Nancy

Answer
Hi Nancy,
Thanx for your question and thanx for your confidence in my assistance.  I appreciate it and it is gratifying to know that others enjoy the same pleasure I get from growing plants.  Yes, you may remove the brown tipped leaves any time.  Don't prune the bush back (if you're planning to do that also) until after the blooming period and then don't prune too severely as this will reduce blooming next year.  You're probably right that if this plant was sitting in soggy soil, it resulted in brown or yellow leaves.  Overfertilization can cause that also as can a lack of nutrients or a lack of water.  It's kind of a catch-22 sometimes.  Trimming the leaves though, will not put a drain on the plant.  I hope this helps.
Tom