Brown spots on the petals of hydrangea flowersnot only look ugly, but also signal that something is wrong with the plant. In order to quickly help hydrangea and enjoy its beautiful flowers again, it is worth finding out what causes the discoloration of the flowers. Learncauses of stains on hydrangea flowersand learn how to remedy them. We advisehow to get rid of stains from hydrangea flowers !
Stains on flowers and leaves of hydrangeas may indicate a fungal disease
Fig. pixabay.com
Brown spots on hydrangea flowers - fungal diseases
Browning of hydrangea flowersmay be caused by fungal diseases.
Numerous,small brown spots on hydrangea flowers are a symptom of gray moldThis disease is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, and its development is fostered by frequent rainfall, strong shading and plant density. Symptoms of gray mold can also be seen on the leaves and shoots of hydrangeas, as brown-brown and watery spots that grow rapidly and become covered with a gray, dusty coating. As a consequencethe flowers, buds, leaves and tops of the hydrangea shoots gradually blacken and die off
Anotherthe cause of brown spots on hydrangea flowers is anthracnoseThis disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, which hibernates in dead leaves and infects hydrangeas in hot conditions (23-32 ° C ), rainy and foggy weather.The spots reach a large diameter and often cover the entire surface of the petals. Symptoms of anthracnose, in the form of irregular spots, are also visible on the hydrangea leaves.
To prevent gray mold and hydrangea anthracnose,avoid thickening the bushes and soaking their leaves when wateringThe plants are best watered early in the morning so that the wet parts of the shrubs dry before the night.Sick flowers and hydrangea leaves must be removed , and if symptoms are severe, use plant protection products.
To combat gray mold and anthracnose on hydrangeasuse a two-time spraying with fungicides, eg Polyversum WP, Amistar 250 SC or Topsin M 500 SC. Biosept Active, used alternately with the above-mentioned fungicides, will also be helpful. The latter preparation immunizes plants against diseases and stimulates them to regenerate and grow faster.
Brown spots on hydrangea flowers - heat stress
Brown spots on hydrangea flower petalsmay be caused by sunburn or drought. Hydrangeas do best in partial shade or in locations where sunlight is partially diffused. Only a few varieties of hydrangeas can tolerate strong sunlight.
In highly sunlit positions, it is easy toburn hydrangea flowers , which causes brown spots on the petals or complete browning and drying of the flowers. This type of damage can be prevented when planting hydrangeas in the garden. For the cultivation of hydrangeas, it is best to choose positions with eastern or western exposure and under the canopy of tall trees, where they will be provided with shade during the hottest time of the day. Hydrangeas growing in a very sunny place are best transplanted in a shaded place in early spring, and shade them in periods of sunny and hot weather.
Damaged hydrangea flowers due to drying or sunburn
Fig. pixabay.com
Brown spots on the edges of the petals of hydrangea flowersmay be caused by frequent wilting of shrubs as a result of intensive transpiration in drought and hot weather. In order to prevent such damage, in addition to avoiding the cultivation of hydrangeas in highly sunny positions, it is necessary to mulch the soil under the shrubs and to water the plants regularly during periods of drought.
In hot summers, hydrangeas need to be irrigated 2-3 times a weekWatering hydrangeas requires 20-30 l of water per m² each time. Smaller doses of water only moisten the soil and evaporate from it very quickly. On hot days, hydrangeas are watered in the morning (8-10 am) or in the early evening.
In the future, when planting new hydrangeas, it is worth adding TerraCottem to the soil. It is a conditioner containing a hydrogel, a starting dose of fertilizer and soil loosening substances. The hydrogel contained in TerraCottem absorbs water when it is abundant and gives it back to the plant when it is too dry.As a result, the soil remains moist for longer, andhydrangeas better tolerate dry and hot days
Hydrangea flowers damaged by the sun and drought should be removedto stimulate the bushes to re-bud.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
