Question

MY BLUE HYDRANGEA IS WILTING. WHAT CAN I DO? IT IS INSIDE RIGHT NOW. WILL IT PERK UP IF I PUT IT OUTSIDE?

Answer

Being cooped up in a house all winter is no fun! The wilting leaves might be caused by oversaturated soil that is causing root rot. Or, it could be just the opposite and the potted hydrangea is so root bound that it can’t take in enough water. Either way, I would pop the hydrangea out of the container and examine the roots. If they are root bound, trim off some of the roots and untangle the remaining roots. Repot in a clean container with fresh potting soil. And, water well. If the roots are brown-black and slimy, then the problem is root rot. Trim the roots back to where they are healthy. Repot in a clean container with good drainage holes and water sparingly at first. Be certain to sterilize your garden tools when you are finished. As the weather warms up, it can go back outside. Select a spot with some shade so the leaves don’t get sunscald.