Question
QUESTION: My hydrangeas this year did not flower and the leaves were yellowish and curled.  The edges were brown and very brittle.  I read where they may have fertizer burn which is possible because I really wanted them to do well so I may have over fertilized them. My question is about next year. Will they still show the results of my mistake.  Should I fertize them this fall and with what?  Should I fertize them in the spring.  They are endless summer, and dooly.


ANSWER: Hello Sandy

Thank you for your question.

I am finding this question a bit puzzling - what did you fertilize the Hydrangea with and how?  For example - was the fertilizer in the form of a mulch of organic matter or was it a granular feed, or a liquid feed which was sprayed onto the foliage?

The thing with Hydrangea is that they really don't need feeding unless they are in containers, when you would follow the instructions on the packet!  What Hydrangeas really need is plenty of water.

If over-fertilizing is the problem, then you shouldn't have a problem next year - just don't feed them at all - they really shouldn't need it.

If the same problem turns up next year you may have to consider the possibility that this is a plant health problem.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I used a granular osmocote in the spring and the nursery gave me a Triple Super Phosphate for getting a blue color.  I also used an insecticide in the spring also.  Also the nursery gave me a product called Wilt Pruf to keep the moisture in.  I know moisture wasn't the problem because here in Ohio we have had a wonderful summer for plants.  Enough rain and medium temps.  My other hydrangeas did wonderful with huge blooms (they are located in a different area), but the blooms stayed green.  Maybe I should have my soil tested.

Thank you for your help

Answer
Hello Again Sandy

This is a bit of a puzzle!  If your other Hydrangeas did well (although the blooms staying green is a bit odd, unless they are the 'limelight' variety), it is possible there is a plant health issue here.  

It might be helpful to go back to the AllExperts gardening main menu and click on 'Plant Diseases'.  If you explain the appearance of the affected plant one of the Experts there may be able to assist in identifying the problem.