Dead Hydrangea Blooms

Identification

• Hydrangeas are susceptible to the gray mold disease also referred to as botrytis blight caused by Botrytis cinerea. The disease is more prevalent in areas of high humidity.

Symptoms

• Botrytis blight starts with spots and discoloration on flowers. Unopened flower buds start to rot and do not open. As the disease progresses, it spreads to foliage and shoots, and a grayish brown spore mass growth appears on flowers and leaves. Affected plant plants start to decay and fall.

Management

• Clear plant area of fallen foliage and debris to minimize spread of fungus. Prune all affected plant areas. Avoid the use of overhead sprinklers. Create better air circulation in plants by thinning canopy regularly.