dying hydrangea plants - Ask Extension
I have three hydrangea plants. Over winter the rabbits chewed two of them down to about 6 inches. Only half of the chewed plants recovered, only to ...
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dying hydrangea plants #465001
Asked June 24, 2018, 5:10 PM EDT
I have three hydrangea plants. Over winter the rabbits chewed two of them down to about 6 inches. Only half of the chewed plants recovered, only to have the leaves curl up and die. Nothing has been fertilized with a liquid fertilizer to be in the air. What could be the cause? They are about three years old. Also, the wilted and curled up leaves eventually die. Another ornamental bush on the other side of the yard is having the same problem.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi,
What can you tell me about the type of hydrangea and the sites they are planted. Shade, sun, moisture, etc.? If you can send a photo of the leaves it may also help.
Rabbit damage is hard for woody shrubs to recover from. They may leaf out but the plant stems can't sustain the plant if the cambium layer of the bark has been severely compromised. But there may be other stressors, poorly drained soil drowning the roots, disease, extreme heat or too little sun, winter salt, etc.
https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/wildlife/rabbits-and-trees-and-shrubs/
What can you tell me about the type of hydrangea and the sites they are planted. Shade, sun, moisture, etc.? If you can send a photo of the leaves it may also help.
Rabbit damage is hard for woody shrubs to recover from. They may leaf out but the plant stems can't sustain the plant if the cambium layer of the bark has been severely compromised. But there may be other stressors, poorly drained soil drowning the roots, disease, extreme heat or too little sun, winter salt, etc.
https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/wildlife/rabbits-and-trees-and-shrubs/
