Hello,
I’ve had this climbing hydrangea in a pot for a few weeks right in the spot where I am going to plant it (it’s tile on the floor so I have a 2 feet planter). Since the first week, despite regular watering, many of the leaves have partially dried out. Does that mean the location has too much sun for it? It’s an east-facing fence and gets lots of sun. Should I not plant it in that spot? If I can go ahead, should I water it more, or less? Thanks
Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners.
Cimbing hydrangeas grow best rich, fertile, moist but well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Morning sun is ideal with some afternoon shade to relieve heat stress during the hottest part of the day. So your east facing fence is ideal.
Hydrangeas are thirsty plants and on hot days their fleshy leaves and stems call for all the water they can get. Generous mulching would also help retain moisture in the soil. Even thought they need lots of water, these plants like soil with good drainage so that their roots are not standing in water.
I suspect that your plant is showing stress due to the excessive heat and the lack of soil in the relatively small pot. Once planted in a large container and given sufficient soil to retain moisture the plant will recover.