Will my hydrangea grow leaves back this season?

If the plant is still alive, it may push out new growth, but it often takes until the following spring to fully recover.

Should I fertilize a hydrangea that is dropping leaves?

No, avoid fertilizing a stressed plant as this can cause further damage. Wait until the plant shows signs of new growth.

Panicle Hydrangea: leaf drop, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil two inches deep to check for dryness.
Inspect the undersides of leaves for signs of spider mites.
Check if the plant has been exposed to sudden temperature spikes.

Likely causes

Severe drought
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves will look wilted and crispy before they fall off, and the soil will be bone dry.
What to do: Water the plant deeply until the water runs out of the bottom of the pot or soaks several inches into the ground. Maintain a consistent schedule of watering every 3 to 7 days during hot summer months.
Heat stress
Possible
How to tell: Leaves drop during the hottest part of the afternoon even if the soil is damp.
What to do: Provide some afternoon shade using a garden cloth or by moving the container to a spot with partial shade. Apply a 2 inch layer of mulch around the base to keep the roots cool.

Find out what's wrong with your panicle 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.

When to worry

If the plant loses more than half its foliage in a few days, it is in trouble. It is normal for a few older leaves at the bottom to yellow and drop in late autumn as the plant prepares for dormancy.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist with a regular watering schedule and protect the root zone with organic mulch.

Keep your panicle hydrangea healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will my hydrangea grow leaves back this season?: If the plant is still alive, it may push out new growth, but it often takes until the following spring to fully recover.
Should I fertilize a hydrangea that is dropping leaves?: No, avoid fertilizing a stressed plant as this can cause further damage. Wait until the plant shows signs of new growth.

Why is my panicle hydrangea dropping leaves?