Gardeners urged to stop planting hydrangeas despite their beautiful colours

GARDEN ENTHUSIASTS ARE BEING WARNED TO AVOID PLANTING HYDRANGEAS IN A BID TO SAVE THEIR GARDEN FROM THE SILENT KILLER THAT IS THE CHANGING CLIMATE, WHICH IS POSING A THREAT TO THE BELOVED

PLANT 16:05, 29 May 2025 For green-fingered individuals still keen to maintain the colourful appeal of their garden, acknowledging the ticking clock for hydrangeas is crucial. Gardening

aficionados must heed this warning regarding their beloved hydrangeas, a sentiment that may seem rather exaggerated, yet without seeking out substitute plant options quickly, gardens risk

losing their allure. The unfortunate reality is that as global warming escalates, our domestic outdoor spaces are becoming arenas of survival. With mercury levels on the rise,

horticulturalists warn of the growing struggles endured by traditional plant species, urging gardeners to consider this in their cultivation practices. In the current climate scenario, where

the heat dial keeps notching up, water-loving species like hydrangeas are increasingly incompatible with the conditions. Regions that were once havens for such vegetation are witnessing

these plants falter, falling victim to relentless dry spells and scorching heatwaves. Reflecting on the impact of weather extremes, a nursery proprietor shared with the Farmiddable Observer:

"I lost nearly 70% of my hydrangea collection during the 2022 heat waves despite daily watering. The climate simply doesn't support them anymore.", reports Nottinghamshire

Live. Notable symptoms of a hydrangea in decline involve foliage taking on a burnt look, leaves that twist in distress, and vibrant colours fading into dreary tans. To compound matters,

spotting stems that droop instead of standing tall clearly indicates that your hydrangea is in a critical state. Article continues below Professional gardeners are increasingly recommending

their clients to consider more drought-resistant alternatives that still offer a splash of colour but require less water. Suggestions such as lavender, ceanothus, and Russian sage are put

forward, all of which yield an array of striking blooms and have significantly reduced maintenance needs. For added practicality, it's proposed that gardeners plant drought-tolerant

bulbs in traditionally cooler and damper areas to foster a robust garden. These could encompass autumn-blooming perennials and strategic spring plantings, ideally integrated into your garden

prior to the arrival of heatwaves. As gardening practices adapt with a climate-aware perspective, the trend of shifting away from hydrangeas seems to be just the beginning. By modifying our

planting choices, we're not only recognising the realities of our changing climate, but we can also contribute to reducing the amount of water utilised for plant care. The energy

previously spent on maintaining hydrangeas can be redirected towards nurturing other plants that will thrive effortlessly under these conditions.