Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean shears to keep the plant looking tidy. They will not turn green again.

Does too much sun cause yellow leaves?

Yes, intense afternoon sun can scorch leaves and cause them to bleach or yellow. Move your plant to a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade.

Why are my hydrangea leaves turning yellow? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture with your finger.
Inspect the drainage holes for blockages.
Look for signs of pests on the undersides of the leaves.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow starting from the bottom of the plant and the soil feels constantly soggy.
What to do: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Iron deficiency
Possible
How to tell: It is less common for this plant, but usually caused by soil pH being too high. You will see yellowing between the green veins of the leaves.
What to do: Test your soil pH to ensure it is acidic, ideally between 5.0 and 6.0. Apply a liquid iron supplement or a fertilizer formulated for acid loving plants.

Find out what's wrong with your bigleaf 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 yellowing spreads rapidly across the whole plant, it is a sign of root stress. It is normal for the oldest leaves at the base to turn yellow and drop in late summer.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the soil pH in the acidic range.

Keep your bigleaf 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

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?: Yes, you can snip them off with clean shears to keep the plant looking tidy. They will not turn green again.
Does too much sun cause yellow leaves?: Yes, intense afternoon sun can scorch leaves and cause them to bleach or yellow. Move your plant to a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade.

Why are my hydrangea leaves turning yellow?