Have you been keeping up with your watering, but your hydrangea is still looking a little droopy? Maybe you’ve even noticed a funky, swampy smell coming from the pot or garden bed? If that sounds familiar, you might have actually loved your plant a little *too* much. Overwatering is a common mistake, and if you don’t act fast, your hydrangea could be in serious trouble. Here’s how to save your plant and get it back on track.
Check the Soil Moisture
Even though hydrangeas are famous water-lovers (their name literally comes from the Greek word for “water vessel”), they absolutely hate having “wet feet.” When the roots sit in stagnant water, waterlogging occurs, and the roots begin to rot. Once they rot, they can’t do their job of drinking up nutrients for the rest of the plant. To see if this is your problem, grab a handful of soil. If it’s soaking wet and smells like decay, your hydrangea is definitely drowning.
How to Treat an Overwatered Hydrangea
If your plant is suffering from root rot, you need to perform a little “plant surgery.” Carefully dig up the hydrangea or slide it out of its pot, making sure to get the entire root system. Gently shake or wash off the old, soggy soil so you can see what you’re working with. Take a pair of clean shears and snip away any mushy, brown, or smelly roots—you only want to keep the firm, healthy ones. Let the roots air out for a bit before moving the plant to a better location.
When replanting, make sure your hydrangea has the right “home” with these soil tips:
- Use well-draining soil
- Aim for a pH level between 4 and 5
- Ensure the soil is rich in organic nutrients
Replanting Your Hydrangea
Drainage is key! If you’re planting in a container, add a layer of clay pebbles at the bottom. If you’re transplanting your hydrangea back into the garden, finish things off by spreading a layer of bark mulch over the surface. Mulch is great because it acts like a natural sponge, soaking up excess moisture and releasing it slowly so the roots don’t get overwhelmed.
Finally, give your hydrangea a light pruning and take it very easy on the watering for a while. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see a big bloom right away. Your plant is busy putting all its energy into growing healthy new roots—the flowers will come back once it feels strong again!
