Avoid cultivating hydrangeas further.
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The beloved garden hydrangea, a staple in many gardens, is under pressure and may not have a future in many gardens due to its inability to withstand heat and drought, especially in the eastern part of Germany like Berlin. This revelation comes from a report by "myHOMEBOOK."
Climate change is causing popular plants to suffer, and gardeners need to adapt their plants to the changing weather conditions. The high humidity under a tree is not enough to counteract the heat and drought, and the soil under trees is often too dry due to tree roots absorbing most of the water.
The old-fashioned garden hydrangea is one of the plants that is particularly affected by the consequences of climate change. The conditions for hydrangeas in shady spots are still unfavorable, as the trees give off moisture during the day but it is not enough to counteract the heat and drought. Shady spots, whether under a tree or a wall, do not provide significant relief for struggling hydrangeas.
Hydrangeas struggle with heat and drought, and the ongoing struggle continues to be a concern for gardeners. The leaves of affected hydrangeas are turning brown and unsightly. Even the 'Annabell' variety, a popular choice, is showing small, brown, and withered blooms in many gardens.
Isabelle Van Groeningen from the Royal Academy of Gardening suggests changing gardening habits and adapting plants to weather conditions. She does not suggest a specific alternative hydrangea variety, but implies that many current varieties may not be able to keep up with the new conditions.
In contrast, in Schleswig-Holstein, the conditions are more favorable for hydrangeas, as it is more humid. However, gardeners are warned against planting old-fashioned garden hydrangeas anymore due to their struggle with heat, drought, and frustration in the flower bed.
As horticulturists face the challenge of selecting species that can thrive under climate change-induced new climatic variables such as altered temperature and moisture regimes, it is clear that adapting to the changing climate is essential for the future of gardening.
[1] myHOMEBOOK report, "Hydrangeas in Eastern Germany: Struggling with Climate Change" (2022)
- To combat the impact of climate change on popular plants like the hydrangea, gardeners may need to consider focusing more on environmental science and making adjustments to their lifestyle and gardening practices to accommodate the changing weather conditions.
- Given the challenges posed by climate change, it might be beneficial for homeowners to explore home-and-garden options that are more adaptable to the new climate conditions, rather than relying solely on traditional plants like the hydrangea.
- In the realm of environmental-science, researchers are working to identify and develop new plant species that can thrive under climate change-induced new climatic variables such as altered temperature and moisture regimes, which could potentially revolutionize modern gardening.
