Why does your Hydrangea macrophylla Glowing Alps have drooping leaves? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Hydrangea macrophylla are heavy drinkers with large leaf surface areas that lose moisture quickly. Drooping occurs when the plant's transpiration rate exceeds its water uptake from the soil.
Excessive moisture in the substrate displaces oxygen, leading to fungal pathogens like Phytophthora. Damaged roots can no longer transport water to the leaves, causing them to wilt despite wet soil.
While 'Glowing Alps' is hardy, intense afternoon sun can cause leaves to wilt as a defense mechanism to reduce surface area exposure. This often occurs even if soil moisture is adequate.
Sudden drops in temperature or frost can damage the vascular tissue of the hydrangea stems. This disruption prevents the upward flow of water, leading to temporary or permanent wilting.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: