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Smooth Hydrangea · Hydrangea arborescens

Why does my smooth hydrangea have root rot?

It is less common for this plant to develop root rot unless it is sitting in heavy, waterlogged soil. Check your drainage and soil texture immediately to see if the roots are suffocating.

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root rot on a plant
Photo: Ninjatacoshell, CC BY-SA 3.0

Check these first

  1. Press your finger into the soil to check for sogginess.
  2. Smell the soil for any signs of decay.
  3. Examine the base of the stems for soft or discolored tissue.

Likely causes

  1. Poor soil drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves will turn yellow and the plant will look wilted even though the soil is wet. You might notice a sour or swampy smell coming from the base of the plant.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and allow the top few inches of soil to dry out. If the soil is heavy clay, amend it with organic compost to improve drainage for the future.

  2. Overwatering

    Possible

    How to tell: The stems may feel soft or mushy near the soil line. This occurs when the roots are constantly submerged in water and cannot get oxygen.

    What to do: Adjust your watering schedule to only when the top inch of soil is dry. If the plant is in a container, ensure the drainage holes are not blocked.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your smooth hydrangea

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

If the stems are turning black or mushy at the base, the rot may be advanced. Minor wilting is often reversible, but total collapse is usually fatal.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and ensure your planting site has excellent drainage.

Smooth Hydrangea: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your smooth hydrangea and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a hydrangea with root rot?
If you catch it early, you can save the plant by improving drainage and reducing water. If the roots are completely black and mushy, the plant likely cannot be saved.
Does mulch cause root rot?
Mulch is good, but keep it a few inches away from the actual stems. Piling mulch against the stems traps moisture and can lead to rot.

More problems with Smooth Hydrangea

Back to the Smooth Hydrangea guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.