Hydrangea is resistant to diseases and pests, at least most varieties cultivated in Russia. However, sometimes problems arise when growing this crop. One of them is the redness of the leaves. The cause of the problems may be a violation of the rules of plant care, the development of diseases or pest attacks. Compliance with preventive recommendations will help to avoid this. So why hydrangea leaves turn red - described in detail in this material.
Why hydrangea leaves turn red
Many people are interested in the question, why did hydrangea leaves turn red. There are many factors that lead to this problem.
Insufficient soil acidity
Insufficient acidity of the soil may be the cause of leaf redness in panicle hydrangea. The optimal parameter for this culture is considered to be about 5 pH, although many species grow well in slightly acidic and even neutral soil.
Leaf redness may be due to illness or improper care
If we are talking about initial care, the plant still needs to be systematically fertilized with organic or mineral means. Of no less importance is the mulching of the soil.
Root system damage
If hydrangea leaves turn red, the cause may be a violation of the rules for transplanting the culture, which led to damage to the root system. When such signs appear, measures must be taken immediately to restore a healthy appearance to the culture. Thanks to this, she will be able to grow and develop normally.
Important! The plant must be systematically watered and fertilized with useful agents at least three times a month. These activities contribute to the formation of new roots.
Excessive watering
If the plant dries and turns red only the edges of the leaves, you can suspect excessive watering. In such a situation, it is necessary to reduce the amount of soil moisture.
It is worth considering that a similar symptom is observed with a lack of potassium.
One of the causes of problems is over-watering
Rooting seedling in summer
Beginning flower growers often root hydrangea in the summer. Doing this is strictly prohibited. Aggressive sunshine can lead to reddening of foliage and other problems.
Planting a crop is recommended in spring or autumn. This can be done before the beginning of sap flow or before the onset of the rest period.
Sunburn
Hydrangea tolerates severe climatic conditions and does not suffer too much from heat. However, in hot weather, you should be careful. Redness of large-leaved hydrangea may be due to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Also, the problem is often associated with watering the bush during the day - as a result, the culture gets burns.
Important!If the plant can hardly tolerate the scorching sun, it needs a shadow or partial shade. Such conditions can be created using transplantation or cover the flower with a canvas, stretching it on the frame.
Diseases and Pests
The following diseases can lead to the appearance of red foliage on hydrangea bushes:
- Chlorosis. This pathology is due to metabolic disorders. The color change of the leaves is associated with iron deficiency. In this case, the foliage becomes lighter and the veins darken. Spraying with iron chelate, Agricole, Ferovit will help get rid of the disease. To prevent chlorosis, hydrangea should be fertilized with iron-containing products.
- White rot. The defeat begins with the roots of the bush - they begin to rot. When young shoots are damaged, they become darker. Then rot and plaque appear on the leaves. Fungicides - in particular, Fitosporin, will help to cope with the disease.
- Gray rot. The disease is accompanied by watery tissue of the plant. In drought, they die off and crumble. Dealing with the disease is very difficult. First, you need to remove the damaged fragments, and then spray the bush with Fundazol or Skor.
- Powdery Mildew In this case, the leaves and stems are covered with oily spots, which then darken. At the initial stage of the development of the disease, it is worth spraying the culture with a solution of copper sulfate. In difficult situations, fungicides must be used.
- Septoria The disease is accompanied by the appearance of brown spots of rounded shape on the leaves. In this case, the edges are darker in color than the central part. As the disease progresses, there is a risk of damage to the stems and cuttings. Treatment should be carried out with preparations containing copper.
- Rust. In this case, the leaves become rusty. The disease is caused by an excess of nitrogen in the soil. Spraying will help to cope with the disease. To do this, mix 20 g of copper and 5 l of water.
The development of diseases is accompanied by the appearance of spots on the foliage
Also, reddening of hydrangea leaves may be due to pest attacks. Common parasites include:
- Snails. They most often affect the culture in the shade, with a strong thickening of plantings. Snails absorb buds, leaves, young stems. The mechanical method will help to cope with pests. Chemicals can also be used.
- Spider mite. When the culture is damaged, yellowish spots with a marble pattern appear. If measures are not taken in time, the foliage will dry out and fall off. Chemicals will help to cope with the problem. At the initial stage, a soapy solution may be sufficient.
- Aphid. These pests feed on plant sap and contribute to the spread of fungal infections. Most often, they settle on the lower leaves, which turn yellow and crumble. To cope with aphids, you can wash the bush with soap and water. In advanced cases, Akarin, Fitoverm are used.
- Gall Nematode. These pests infect the roots of the culture. They can lead to blistering in this area. Subsequently, the processes of decay begin. It is very difficult to notice parasites, since they infect the underground part of the plant. But if all other possible causes are already excluded, only the nematode remains.
Leaf redness may be due to snail attacks
What to do if panicle or other hydrangea varieties have reddened leaves
Redness of the leaves on the bushes requires immediate help. First you need to establish the reasons. If this is not done, the problem cannot be dealt with.
The appearance of brown spots on the leaves indicates infection with a fungal infection. Fungicides - Oksikhom, Fundazol, Khom will help to cope with it. In this case, it is necessary to process leaves from two sides. This is done 2 times with an interval of 2 weeks.
Important! To fix the results, the soil needs to be fed with microelements. Magnesium sulfate is perfect for this purpose.
When fungal infections are detected, preventive measures should be carried out every year. In early spring or autumn, biofungicides should be used. A mixture based on Gamair and Alirin is highly effective.
Other methods for solving problems depend on the cause of redness:
- with excessive moisture it is necessary to reduce the frequency of watering;
- in extreme heat provide protection from the scorching sun;
- check soil acidity parameters;
- 1 time during the season to make mineral and organic products.
In winter and summer, the beds need to be covered with a mulching layer. This will help to achieve optimal temperature performance.
Important! Mulch helps protect the soil from overheating. It also prevents the evaporation of moisture with beneficial elements.
Feeding for hydrangea, which appeared red leaves
When reddening foliage due to depletion of the soil, it needs to be fed. Violation of acidity parameters impedes the absorption of vitamins, micro and macro elements.
To improve performance, you can use the effective folk method. To do this, add 10 teaspoon of oxalic or citric acid to 10 liters of water. The resulting solution is recommended for watering the culture. It should be borne in mind that in case of damage to the root system, this method is prohibited.
If the redness of the foliage is associated with damage to the root system, it is worth using a tool that activates its development. It is recommended to use it 3 times a month. At the same time, water the bushes well.
Attention! You can proceed to the application of fertilizers only when the roots of the crop are restored.
Preventive measures to prevent the appearance of red leaves
To avoid problems, you need to strengthen the culture. This will help to prevent the development of diseases and pest attacks. For preventive purposes, the following actions must be performed:
- Plant the plant in partial shade. When growing hydrangea in room conditions, it is enough to remove it from the scorching sun, since it poorly affects the condition of the leaves.
- Avoid drying out. Hydrangea is considered a water-loving plant and requires high-quality watering. In the heat it should be watered with an interval of 2 days.
- Choose the right soil composition. Light soil with high acidity is suitable for the plant.
- Properly fertilize. At the end of spring, nitrogen should be used, in the summer - phosphorus and potassium, in the fall - phosphorus.
- Conduct wood processing. With the advent of spring, it is recommended to use a solution of copper sulfate.
To strengthen the plant, you need to use fertilizers
Red leaves in hydrangea can be associated with the influence of a variety of factors. To cope with the problem, you need to establish the causes and provide the culture with proper care. Equally important is the prevention of the development of diseases and pest attacks.
