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Yellowing Leaves on Hydrangea #836355

Asked June 19, 2023, 10:31 AM EDT

Can you advise what might be causing the yellowing of leaves? Purchased hydrangea (otherwise healthy looking) and planted two weeks ago. When weather was dry watered regularly. Otherwise we have been getting rain and soil is moist. Just noticed yellow leaves yesterday. Gets full sun. Used mixture of garden soil and existing soil to transplant, no fertilizer. 2nd plant also has yellowing leaves, not yet transplanted. thanks! Ted

Lamoille County Vermont

Expert Response

Hi Ted, 

Thanks for reaching out to UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline. 

From your photos, the hydrangeas look quite healthy. It's obviously hard to tell exactly from a few photos, but I don't think I'd worry too much about a few yellowing leaves on the interior of the shrub where there is less light, especially after the heat we had and recently transplanting. 

If they were yellowing across the whole bush, you might be worried about overwatering and lack of iron uptake (Article Link) or potentially leaf scorch (Article Link), but it seems relatively minor. I'd keep an eye on it and get back in touch if you think it's getting progressively worse. 

Here are some general resources on hydrangea care: 

Oregon State University Extension (LINK)

Cornell Extension (LINK)

Pruning hydrangeas (LINK)


Hope that helps and happy gardening! 

Alex Bunten, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Replied June 20, 2023, 1:30 PM EDT

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