Why Are My Hydrangeas Flopping Over?

Written by: Lindsey Griffith
The summer season is one of the most exciting times in the garden, with most perennials and shrubs reaching their peak bloom, filling the garden with vibrant flowers and foliage. Hydrangeas are among the most recognizable of these summer blooms, with large mophead or lacecap flowers making a statement in the landscape. While hydrangeas are classic summer bloomers, some gardeners may find that their flowers get floppy and unattractive as the season progresses. There are a few reasons hydrangea flowers may be flopping, including watering issues, weather, or cultivar differences. Here, we'll list some common reasons that hydrangea flowers may flop over during the summer.
Potential Reasons Your Hydrangea Is Flopping Over:
High Summer Temperatures
Hot summer days can cause water to evaporate faster from the shallow roots, so hydrangeas may droop to conserve energy. Water more frequently.
Overwatering or Underwatering
Over- or underwatering hydrangeas can cause weak stems, resulting in flopping flowers. Underwatering is more often the culprit, as dry stems lead to reduced vigor.
Heavy Downpours
Rainwater can weight heavy on hydrangea flower heads, causing flopping directly after a storm. Gently shake flower heads after storms to remove excess water.
Large Flowers, Weak Stems
Some hydrangea cultivars focus on large/heavy blooms but lack the strong stems to support them. Then, during peak season, many large flowers tend to flop while others stay upright.


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