Florist Hydrangea

29 Comments

1. linda dixon - January 2, 2007 at 10:29 am

   I got a Blue Hydrangia for Easter, the flowers have died so I cut them off. The leaves are sparse and light green. I live in New Brunswick, Canada. Can I put it in the ground yet? Or should it stay inside. I have never had one & don’t know how to treat it. Thanks, for your help.

   Chances are that it is a greenhouse hydrangea, grown for large showy blooms on weak stems. The plant is not hardy but can be kept outdoors in the shade during the summer and back indoors for the winter. You might consider it as a cut flower arrangement. They last only so long and then they die.

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2. Dinah - January 2, 2007 at 10:34 am

   I received a beautiful blue hydrangea potted plant for Mother’s day. Now the flowers are a lime green – I don’t know what the variety is. Is it possible to save this plant for next year – either in the pot, or planted outside. If so, HOW?

   The florist’s greenhouse Hydrangea is grown to produce big flowers at the expense of a hearty plant. To plant them outdoors is not recommended. If by chance your hydrangea turns out to be a healthy plant, you can keep it outdoors (semi-shade) all summer and bring it indoors in the fall. Water it regularily and feed it every two weeks during the active growing season. To maintain the blue color, fertilize it once a month with aluminum sulfate during the growing season. If you live in zone 6 or higher, plant it outdoors, mulch it and hope it survives the winter. A friend of mine has had some success in wintering over his container hydrangea by keeping it in a frost free space(garage) and wrapping the container with insulation to keep the roots from freezing. It is natural for the flowers to turn lime green as they age.

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3. Dinah - January 2, 2007 at 10:49 am

   Thank you, I DID keep it outdoors on a sheltered porch and it does seem to still be healthy. So, I will try the suggestion of keeping it in the garage over the winter.
   And then next spring – trim it? It still has the same big beautiful flowers on it.

   Trim off any dead flowers and dead stems in the spring. Don�t trim too much as you will trim away potential flowers. Remember it blooms on old wood.

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4. Armeather Gibbs - January 2, 2007 at 10:55 am

   I received a hydrangea plant as a gift about a week ago. The next day, the flowers were completely drooped but the leaves were strong and green. I watered the plant and the flowers came back and all looked good. Within the next two days, the plant looked like it had died. All the flowers were drooped and soft and the leaves were dry and crisp. I am at a loss as to why(did I kill by overwatering?) or did I just get a bad plant. I watered again to no avail. I took off all the dried flowers and very brittle leaves and have nothing but dry stalk-like stems. Given how pretty and healthy it was when I received it, I can�t believe what it looks like now. Any thoughts or is the plant gone for good?

   Yes you can kill it by overwatering. Hydrangeas do require lots of water and the first response to droopy flowers is to water, the important thing to remember is that the roots cannot sit in water it invites root rot which is what your plant seems to indicate. Best way to water a hydrangea is not from the top but to fill a saucer, let the plant stand in it for 45 min and then drain. Be sure to take the plastic sleeve off (if there is one) to allow free drainage. It may recover somewhat but I�m not sure if it will be worth the effort.

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5. Christine - January 2, 2007 at 11:00 am

   i actually have a question.. i was sent a hydrangia, and its in a pot, but has one of those bricks of styrafome inside.. can i repot this in a pot of soil? Christine

   Yes, I believe you can. They grow some poinsettias the same way. The roots should eventually grow through the medium into the soil

   .

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6. Joanna - January 2, 2007 at 11:05 am

   Reblooming florist hydrangea
   I received a beautiful hydrangea as a gift yesterday – have no idea what variety it is. It has one tall stem with a beautiful, huge purple ball of flowers at the top. I believe it was purchased at a grocery type store. I would love to keep it looking as good as it does now, but am clueless as to the proper care. I was hoping to be able to plant it outside (I live in central/eastern Massachusetts) but from reading previously posted comments, I get the feeling it will not survive a transplant to outdoor soil. What is the best care for my hydrangea and how does its future look? Thank you! Joanna

   It sounds like a greenhouse hydrangea. You can try to rebloom your hydrangea indoors, although I’m not sure it is worth the effort. To start: cut the shoots back to two pairs of leaves or nodes after the plant is done flowering. In the spring replant it in a container, water and fertilize, keeping it outdoors in dappled shade for the summer. If the stems get too tall you can pinch them back but no later than July. Once the cold weather arrives you will need to let it go dormant by keeping it dry and storing it at temerpatures 35-40 degrees for 6 weeks. After the dormant period place it in a sunny, cool spot indoors and begin to water and fertilize. If all goes well the plant should rebloom in 4 months.

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7. Phyllis - January 2, 2007 at 11:41 am

   I was at an affair on Sunday and was given the most beautiful Hydrangia plant. On arriving home I put it on my counter near a window when I woke in the morning all the bulbs look dead. The beautiful flowers were all gone and the leaves are starting to dry out. Can I save this plant in any way?

   Your plant could be a victim of root rot from overwatering or not enough water. Typically hydrangias need lots of water but when they get too much and the plant sits in water it will eventually develop root rot. Symptoms indicate wilted flowers and leaves and the first reaction is too give it more water because it looks like its wilting, this only adds to the problem. Be sure to let the water drain and plant dry out. It may recover or it may be too late. If it was underwatered then it would perk up after you watered it.

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8. Bonnie Bradley - January 2, 2007 at 11:47 am

   I recently received a pink Hydrangia, not sure of the type as all it says is Hydrangia. I�m sure purchased in a supermarket. It is a warm May in Western Washington, when should I plant?, what if I do not have partial shade but only full sun?, does this plant like a good draining soil or a mushy area?, I understand that lime will help maintain the pink blooms, how much do I need if it appears that my plant requires it and last I think I over watered in the pot and over-fertilized as the leaves are drying and curling and the blooms that were not full yet are turning soft and drooping, should I remove those blooms? Thank you so much for your help as I have wanted one of these beautiful plants and finally have one. I don’t want to lose it.
   ~~Bonnie B

   You have a gift hydrangea. It will scorch in full sun (browning of leaves) and needs well drained moist soil. It will most likely stay pink as blue requires a low ph maintainance. Remove all dead bloom and be sure that the roots don’t sit in water. See above post on Greenhouse hydrangea care.

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9. Jan Olmstead - January 14, 2007 at 5:44 pm

   Drooping flowerheads
   I have a potted hydrangea and the heads are dropping over. What could be causing this?

   Potted hydrangea (greenhouse) can be tempremental. Drooppy heads can be caused by either not enough water or too much water. When the hydrangea is dry we give it lots of water and if it still looks droopy we add more thinking it didn’t get enough. The result is that it causes root rot and inability to absorb water. The best way to water a potted hydrangea is to bottom water – place it in a saucer of water and let it stand for 45min to 1 hr. then remove and let it drain.

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10. rydusk - July 9, 2007 at 9:34 am

    I bought a pink hydrangea that was on a mothers day sale, so I am assuming its what you refer to as a greenhouse hydrangea. I put it in a pot outside, the flower turned green and the leaves have large areas that look burnt off. Is there any way to save this plant? I water it frequently. Also, is it supposed to grow another flower? Its just one stem with flowers at the tops. thanks!

    Put your plant in the shade and slowly ease your plant to more sun. As the flower matures it will turn a green color. I doubt that it will bloom again although if your’e lucky it might send out a small new flower if you deadhead the old one. It should send out some green growth from side shoots and with proper watering and light will grow. Depending on where you live-they are not hardy in Northern states and would have to be indoors during the winter.

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11. veronica Whiteside - September 11, 2007 at 9:15 am

    Propagate from cuttings
    Hi. I have a Hydrangea planted in my garden and a friend of mine would like a cutting. Could you please tell me how I would do it and if it would work.
    Thank you. Veronica.

    Hydrangea are relatively easy to root. Take a 4-6″ softwood cutting from new growth with a least 4 eyes (buds). Take of the foliage from the bottom set of buds and cut the top leaves in half. This helps reduce moisture loss through the leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and place it 2″ deep in a soiless mix of perlite and peat moss. Give it a good soaking. Keep container away from direct sun at an ideal temperature of 70-75. To maintain or increase moisture/humidity place container in a plastic bag using a stick to make a mini greenhouse. Be sure that it doesn’t get too hot inside as that will cook the plant. Don’t keep it too wet, water when soil looks lighter and like it is drying out. Your cutting should root in 3-5 wks. Once rooted, transplant and slowly expose it to morning sun. If it is leggy pinch it back to promote a bushier growth. Best time to do this is in the spring so that the plant has enough time to develop a strong root system for the winter otherwise the newly rooted plant may need to spend the winter indoors.

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12. Leanne - January 18, 2008 at 9:40 am

    I received a pink Hydrangia plant from a garden centre (Costco). I am not sure what to do with it, should I plant it outside or leave it in the the pot that it came in. There was no care or plant type label. I live in eastern Ontario Canada, very cold winters. Please advise.
    Thanks, Leanne

    If this was a greenhouse gift plant, then there is a good chance that it is not hardy in Canada and will die in the winter. These plants are grown under controlled greenhouse conditions to produce large showy flowers at the expense of a healthy plant. If it is a nursery grown plant for outdoors, chances are that the garden center would sell a product that is hardy in your area but stranger things have been known to happen. I would still plant it and hope for the best. Either way, you have nothing to loose. Kris

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13. Kevin - May 21, 2008 at 5:49 pm

    Root rot
    I bought a potted hydrangea and I watered it too much without draining it each time. How can I save it? Cut and how, transfer in a larger pot? I try to follow your suggestion by watering and draining it each time now, but the recovery is limited for now. I would love to save this beautiful blue plant.
    Many thanks, Kevin

    Hi Kevin
    Most likely your hydrangea is suffering from root rot. For the time being, keep it in a semi-shaded area and let it dry between watering. When the top 1-2 inches of the soil are dry ,water it. The leaves may all wilt and die but if the roots recuperate, then they will send out new growth. You can then repot and place the plant in AM sun.

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14. Julia - July 17, 2008 at 9:18 am

    Root rot
    What can you tell me about root rot on hydrangeas and is it possible to save the plant. I lost three last year and am loosing more this year.

    Hi Julia
    Root rot occurs when the plant roots are in water for an extended period of time due to poor drainage or overwatering. Fungal disease attack the stressed, weakened roots. If the plant is in a container, be sure to drain out any exceess water. When the top inch feels slightly dry or the leaves start to droop (flag) then water again. It’s a fine balance between too dry and too wet with hydrangeas. If your plant is in the ground, then you will need to amend the soil by adding organic material such as pine bark /compost to the soil or plant in raised beds to improve drainage .For more info go to http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1212/

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15. John - May 13, 2009 at 11:41 am

    Cold damage
    I have a beautiful Hydrandrea potted plant. I think I may have killed it. It got cold out but not a frost (Low 40º) and now the leaves and flowers are drooping. Is there any luck of reviving it? Love this plant to much to wait till next year to see it’s flowers.
    John

    Hi John
    Florist hydrangea can be very delicate and sensitive to cold and sun after all they have lead a pampered life. Keep it indoors and when you are sure the night temperatures are warmer 50’s leave it outdoors. Also be careful as to how much sun they get. When the leaves start to “flag” (wilt) move the plant away from the sum. Wilting can also occur when there is a root problem so be careful not to overwater or let the plant sit in water.

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16. Anna - May 26, 2009 at 5:11 pm

    Frozen roots in pot
    I have a potted Endless Summer Hydrangea which I planted last year, all the ones I planted in the ground are showing life except the potted one, I can’t loose it, what should I do?

    Hi Anna
    You may have lost it if you left it in the pot outdoors in winter. The ones in the ground benefit from the soil insulating the roots keeping them from freezing. The roots of plants grown in pots are more susceptible to cold and will freeze up much faster.

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17. Mary Ellen - July 26, 2009 at 2:53 pm

    I’m a landscape designer and horticulturist. My sister asked me about two florist’s hydrangeas she received at Eastertime. She planted both and they have survived two winters in Connecticut, but produce foliage only, no flowers. She tells me they die to the ground each fall/winter and start growth from scratch each spring, much like a perennial. I’ve never heard of a herbaceous hydrangea–is there such a thing and is there anything she can do to get them to bloom?

    Hi Mary Ellen
    Certain hydrangea, (macrophylla) can be semi-hardy depending on where you live. It will grow in summer, die back and regrow from the roots. The reason it will not bloom is that it blooms on old growth that died back, so the flower buds for the next season were destroyed. Unless you can keep it indoors in cold storage (35-40F) to keep the buds from freezing through the winter, it will never bloom.

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18. Bette Yancey - September 21, 2009 at 10:01 am

    I was told that you can refresh droopy cut hydranda blossoms by putting the head in cool water for 15-20 minutes and that then they last up to a week. When I arrange flowers for our church altar, any hydranga blossum have probably wilted within 24 hours. Do you know if soaking the blossoms works?

    Yes, I can see how it could benefit the blossoms provided they are not over wilted.

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19. Pallas - May 10, 2011 at 5:23 pm

    
    Reblooming Greenhouse hydrangea
    I live in southern Ontario in Canada (zone 5)and my husband bought me a greenhouse hydrangea for Mother’s Day two years ago. Not knowing anything about these plants, I planted it in my front garden bed that year. To my pleasure it came up the next year. I then got upset when my husband mowed over it not once, but twice. I then moved it to a back garden plot protected by fencing :). This year it has come back again and I hope this time to get flowers. I don’t know if I was lucky with the plant or whether these can actually be planted as long as you ensure they are in mostly shade and sheltered. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

    Hi Pallas
    Your hydrangea may come back but probably will not bloom. Greenhouse hydrangeas bloom on old wood and if the plant dies down to the ground then then there is no old wood to bloom from. When it comes to plants, you never know. So don’t give up hope. I also planted a greenhouse hydrangea outdoors and low and behold it is growing from the ground. I would be thrilled if it bloomed but am not counting on it. Let me know what happens. I’ll keep my fingers crossed as well.

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20. Ray - June 16, 2011 at 1:38 pm

    Hi Kris,
    Once again I am trying my hand at growing a potted greenhouse hydrangea on my balcony. When I brought it home, I re-potted it into a larger pot and have kept it outside for the last month. Temperatures here in southern Ontario are quite warm days and cool 16C nights, which have helped in new growth. The showy balls of blue flowers have now turned green in color, and I have lots of new buds along the stem. I am using an all-purpose Miracle gro fertiliser, which I use for the other plants every 3-4 weeks apart. Is that good enough? Should I cut off the blooms once they’re all dried up and brown? Any advice to keep this plant healthy and happy, would be much appreciated!
    Have a great weekend!

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21. Ray - July 31, 2011 at 9:25 am

    Trim old blooms
    Hi Kris,
    I have not cut off the blooms – one is turning brown while the other is still green. There is a lot of flourishing new growth, some of it under the blooms. Should I cut the old blooms now so the new ones can grow freely?
    Thanks!

    Hi Ray
    Yes, you should clean up the plant and cut off the old blooms. You can dry the old blossoms and use them for decoration.

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22. Leslie - February 14, 2012 at 12:02 pm

    Wintering florist hydrangea
    HI all. I just recieved a beautiful pink Hydrangia for Valantines day. I live In North Central Arkansas and snice I have no clue as how to take care of It, Would I be able to plant It out side or would I be better off placing In a pot and keeping It on my deck for the summer. I do have an unheated room in my house that i keep several other plants over the winter. Would I be sure of blooms for next winter?

    Hi Leslie
    Most likely, you have a florist hydrangea which will not tolerate freezing temperatures. Being in Arkansas, you can either take a chance and plant it in the ground or keep it in the unheated room. I have wintered over my florist hydrangea outside in zone 5. The plant survived but did not bloom. You are in zone 7 so I think you will have better luck. If you keep it in the unheated room it should rebloom.

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23. Leslie - February 20, 2012 at 10:02 am

    Thank you for the reply. Just a quick update for you, I have put my Hygrangia In a back grow room with grow lights and temps around 60 degrees. It’s looking fantastic and will pot It up for my deck for the summer and bring It back In to over winter again. Thank you aginn for your help.

    you are welcome!

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24. Ray - March 19, 2012 at 10:25 am

    Hi Kris,
    I think I may have killed my potted hydrangea – Couple of weeks ago, I noticed webs covering all this new growth, some of which had bloomed. The pot has been indoors through winter in southern Ontario, and I watered it once every 2weeks. Anyway, I sprayed the plant with an insecticide from Miracle gro, that I have used on other plants as well. However, within a week, all the leaves and new blooms dried out, and the stem is woody. I scratched the part about an inch up from the soil, and that showed green, which makes me believe and hope the plant’s not dead! We’re having some great weather around 17deg – 20deg C in the day, and 8-10 at night – can I move the plant outside to revive? Or is it down the garbage chute for the poor thing??

    Hey Ray
    Yes, you can move it outdoors, the warm temps will stimulate new growth. If you put your hydrangea outdoors, do so in a protected area, away from direct sun. It might put on new growth from the leaf axils. Make sure you bring it in if there is a frost. New growth is very sensitive to cold temperatures.
    You might also check the roots to make sure they are healthy and then repot your hydrangea.
    When spraying, check the label to see if it is aproved for the plant you are spraying.

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25. Leslie - March 23, 2012 at 7:52 am

    Repot hydrangea
    Good morning. Would any one know when would be the best time to repot Hydrangias? In bloom or out of bloom. Mine Is still happily blooming away but I noticed that It will need to be repotted soon. I had read on another link some were that It’s best to do this out of bloom Is this true or not. I have moved mine out side a week ago and is doing quite well. Any suggestions would be very helpful.

    Hi Leslie
    It’s best to repot after bloom. If you disturb the roots while its blooming, the flowers can wilt and die prematurely.

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26. Leslie - March 24, 2012 at 6:35 pm

    How long will it bloom
    Thank you for the Info. Now how long will they stay In bloom? I had a small flower shoot come In to bloon a few days ago. And the entier plant has been In bloom for well over a month. Is this a normal bloom time?

    HI Leslie
    If conditions are right, hydrangea can bloom for a month or more and then it will start producing new green growth. Eventually, the flowers will start to dry and get papery. That’s a good time to cut them off and dry them.

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27. Jessie - May 4, 2012 at 10:22 am

    Hydrangea root rot
    Hello, I just came across your site and am in dire need of help! My mother bought two small hydrangea plants from the nursery section of K-mart, and gave them to me for Easter. I’ve never in my life potted a plant before, so I was a bit worried. I think I did everything right….except I now realize that the pot that I put my hydrangeas in were too big, now I believe they are suffering from root rot. The leaves are semi-ok, but the flowers are turning green and have brown edges around them (they are supposed to be blue). Also, I probably shouldn’t have watered them this morning (I did, because I thought maybe it’s “thirsty,” but I should have listened to my instinct), because after I watered them, and the water started coming out the bottom holes, I could smell a “rotting” scent! 🙁 Now my question is this: Is it possible to save my hydrangeas? I potted them 3 1/2 weeks ago (from it’s original plastic container). What do I do now? Should I move them to smaller pots, or is that too much stress for them? The problem also, is that my hydrangeas probably don’t get enough sun. They are sitting on the edge of my covered porch, but we are facing North and our garage on the west side of our house (left of our porch), makes it so that it’s really mostly shade. What do you think I should do? Move the pots? Dry the soil? Repot them? I’m clueless and would really hope to save them, if possible (I think they are dying). Thank you in advance for your help, I really appreciate it and hope to hear from you!

    Hi Jessie
    I don’t think the large pot was the problem. One of the biggest problems with potted hydrangea is the tendency to overwater them. They like moist soil but not wet soil which will rot the roots.
    At this time, let the soil dry out a bit and keep it in the shade. Here’s a tip on watering: If the soil is wet and the leaves are wilted, then there is a root problem. Conversely, if the soil is dry and leaves are wilted, water the plant. The other option- If you think there is root rot, repot the plants in fresh well drained soil, water and wait a few days before watering again.
    Since the plant is in stress, I would leave it in the shade for a week or so until it recovers. Then you can gradually move it to more sun.
    If it has root rot, I may not recover.

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28. marielle clark - May 2, 2014 at 2:38 pm

    I came across your website while trying to gather some info on hydrangeas. About three days ago I bought two beautiful potted pink colored hydrangeas from a nursery. They are inside in my dining room which has large windows they do not sit in direct sunlight but they get enough light in the morning just last night I noticed them starting to wilt all the booms so i checked the soil and it felt a little dry not completely but enough for me to think they needed to be watered. But its been all day and they are all still wilted is there a way to bring them back or are they done? One of my friends suggest heating up water she had heard to use warm water if your hydrangeas are wilting?

    Hi Marielle
    If the soil is wet and the plant is still wilted and not recovering, then there may be a root rot problem. Overwatering and not allowing the soil to drain and dry out will cause the roots to rot. On the other hand, make sure you give it enough water. Lift the pot, if it feels light, water enough so that it drains out of the bottom.

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29. Fontane - May 13, 2015 at 4:39 pm

    Hi. I came across your website while trying to figure out a way to save my potted hydrangea. I bought it 3 weeks ago from WholeFoods, and there were a few flowers drying out (browning) from the edges every 2 to 3 days, and I do cut them out. On top of that, there were yellow leaves with brown edges from time to time which I removed them as well. Now after 3 weeks since I got the plant, the bulbs are drying out, flowers are so scattered, and there aren’t any new flower blooming. I have read all of the above comments, and based on your replies, I am guessing my plant are suffering from root rot because I did water my plant everyday until yesterday. I took the plant out of the pot, and I saw middle brown root (not light brown).

    I believe the hydrangea I got is called the hydrangea macrophylla. The flowers are bright pink surround with color white on the edges. It’s not the regular hydrangea I see on the market.

    I am new to this, but I love this plant a lot, and I am in desperate need for help. Can you please tell me in order to save the plant if

    1) I should wash off all the old soil and replant it with new soil and new pot? If so, can you please give me more details.
    2) or should I wait for a few more days and see what will happen?
    3) do I also need fertilizer for my plant?

    Thanks in advance.

    Hi
    The easiest thing to do is to re pot the hydrangea in a good quality, well drained soil. Water it well, cut off the flowers (they will wilt and die anyway) and place the pot in a shaded area. Wait for several days to a week before watering again. Watering will depend on how wam it is. No need to fertilize, as the plant can’t use it at this time. If that works, you should see new green growth in a few weeks, then you can fertilize the plant.

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