I have a hydrangea that I have had for several years. It flowered beautifully last summer, but this spring the leaves are turning purple. What is the problem and what can I do about it?
I am so sorry that your beloved hydrangea leaves are turning purple! This is usually indicative of a problem with the soil, specifically that the pH level is too high. Hydrangeas require acidic soil in order to thrive, and when the pH level is too high, the leaves will turn purple.
Don’t worry we are here to help you solve the problem. Before you keep reading, please take a sample of your soil to your local nursery or gardening center to have it tested. This will help you determine how much you need to lower the pH level.
What are Hydrangea Leaves Turning Purple
Hydrangeas are flowering plants that can be found in a variety of colors, including pink, blue, and white. Hydrangeas are often grown in gardens for their beautiful blooms, but many people don’t realize that the leaves of the plant can also be quite striking. Recently, I noticed that the leaves of my Hydrangea plant were turning purple.
I was curious as to why this was happening, so I did some research and discovered that there are a few reasons why Hydrangea leaves may turn purple. One possibility is that the plant is not getting enough sunlight.
Hydrangeas prefer to grow in full sun or partial shade, so if your plant is in a shaded area, it may be causing the leaves to turn purple. Another possibility is that the plant is not getting enough water. Hydrangeas need to be watered regularly, especially during hot weather, so if your plant is drought-stressed, it may also cause the leaves to turn purple.
Why Hydrangea Leaves Turn Purple
If you’re wondering why your Hydrangea leaves are suddenly turning purple, you’re not alone. This is a question that many gardeners have, and the answer isn’t always clear.
There are a few different reasons why Hydrangea leaves might turn purple. here are a few of the most common:
1. Nutrient Deficiency
Many Hydrangea leaves turn purple due to a nutrient deficiency. Hydrangeas need an adequate amount of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium in order to stay green. If the soil is deficient in any of these nutrients, the Hydrangea will take up whatever it can find, even if that means turning purple.
Adding fertilizer to the soil can often help Hydrangeas that are suffering from a nutrient deficiency. However, it’s important to be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can also cause problems.
2. pH Imbalance
Another common reason for Hydrangea leaves turning purple is a pH imbalance in the soil. Hydrangeas prefer soil that is on the acidic side, with a pH of around 5.5. If the soil is too alkaline, the Hydrangea may not be able to take up enough of the nutrients it needs, causing the leaves to turn purple.
To fix a pH imbalance, you can add sulfur to the soil to lower the pH. However, it’s important to have the soil tested first to determine how much sulfur you’ll need to add.
3. Cold Weather
Another potential reason for Hydrangea leaves turning purple is cold weather. Hydrangeas are quite sensitive to cold temperatures and if the leaves are exposed to frost or freezing temperatures, they may turn purple.
4. Fungal Disease
Hydrangea leaves turning purple can be a sign of fungal disease. Fungal diseases are caused by different types of fungi and can cause damage to the leaves, flowers, and stems of Hydrangeas.
Symptoms of fungal disease include leaves that turn purple, yellow, or brown; flowers that wilt or fade; and stems that are discolored or have cankers.
5. Frost Damage
Frost damage can be a common problem for Hydrangeas and can cause the leaves to turn purple. Hydrangeas are very sensitive to cold weather, and if the leaves are exposed to frost or freezing temperatures, they may turn purple. Frost damage can also cause the flowers to wilt or fade, and the stems to be discolored or have cankers.
To prevent frost damage, it’s important to water the Hydrangeas well before a frost is expected. This will help insulate the roots and protect the plant from the cold. You can also cover Hydrangeas with a cloth or tarp if frost is forecasted.
6. Pests
Pests can also be a problem for Hydrangeas and can cause the leaves to turn purple. Hydrangeas are particularly susceptible to aphids, which are small, green insects that feed on the sap of plants. Aphids can cause damage to the leaves, flowers, and stems of Hydrangeas, and can also spread disease.
What to do with purple leaves
Purple leaves can be spread to other plants by insects or other animals, by wind or water, or by humans. There are many ways to get rid of purple leaves, but the most effective way is to remove them from the plant.
1. Prune the plant
When leaves turn purple on hydrangeas, it is often a sign that the plant is stressed and needs pruning. Hydrangeas can be pruned to maintain their shape and size and to keep them healthy. Pruning also encourages new growth and flowers. Hydrangeas should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
2. Remove the leaves
Remove leaves from your garden after trimming the plant. This will help to reduce the spread of purple leaves and keep your garden looking neat and tidy.
3. Destroy the leaves
Purple leaves can be destroyed by burning, composting, or placing them in a plastic bag and putting them in the trash.
5. Move the plant
If the leaves on your Hydrangea are turning purple, it is a good idea to move the plant to a new location. This will help to reduce the spread of purple leaves and keep your garden looking neat and tidy.
When do Hydrangea Leaves Turn Purple
Hydrangea leaves turn purple when the plant is experiencing an overabundance of nitrogen. This can be caused by either too much fertilizer or by planting the Hydrangea in an area that is too rich in nitrogen.
When the leaves turn purple, it is a sign that the plant is trying to rid itself of the excess nitrogen. The best way to fix this problem is to cut back on the amount of fertilizer you are using or to move the Hydrangea to a location that has less nitrogen.
Conclusion
Hydrangea leaves turning purple is often a sign that the plant is stressed and needs pruning. Hydrangeas can be pruned to maintain their shape and size and to keep them healthy. Pruning also encourages new growth and flowers. Hydrangeas should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
So, if you see your Hydrangea leaves turning purple, don’t panic! It is often a sign that the plant is simply stressed and needs to be pruned. By following the tips above, you can help to keep your Hydrangea healthy and looking its best.
