<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jul/29/heatwaves-hydrangeas-risk-south-of-england-rhs-warns>
"With their lush foliage and blooms that turn pink, purple or blue depending on
the soil, hydrangeas are a firm favourite in Britain.
The shrubs bloom throughout summer and have historically thrived in the mild,
damp British climate. But hotter summers and heatwaves such as the one hitting
parts of England this week are putting the flower at risk in the south of the
country, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has said.
Data from the RHS gardening advice service show inquiries about drought and
heat damage affecting hydrangeas have more than tripled since 2023, making them
the most frequently reported plant for hot weather problems.
Hydrangeas rose from seventh to first place between 2023 and 2025 and remain
the most frequently reported plant suffering from drought and high temperatures
in 2026. The RHS has more than 600,000 members, meaning that garden trends and
worries are easily spotted among the queries sent in.
The gardening charity is considering moving its hydrangea collection from its
garden in Wisley, Surrey, to its northern gardens in Greater Manchester and
North Yorkshire, where conditions are expected to remain more favourable and
less hot and dry."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
