AboutTom Alonzo Expertise I have been a gardener for 20 years with perennials both growing from seed and from nurseries. I went through the Master Gardener Program from Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service and I answered questions on the Hotline a few years ago for the Wyandotte County Kansas Extension Service. I have also lived in the Florida, California, Hawaii, Arizona, Texas, Kansas and Missouri and am experienced with a variety of climates, soils and weather conditions.
Experience I have been growing perennials for over 20 years now. I am self-taught mostly except for a master gardener class. I have experimented with all kinds of perennials including many that are not common to my area. I have read hundreds of books and grown hundreds of varieties of plants and hope to make it a business some day. I have become versed in botanical names and growing conditions and what I don't know off of the top of my head I can usually easily find in my vast array of research material and botanical and horticultural contacts. I especially enjoy experimenting with growing plants out of zone.
Question I bought a hydrangea plant from a local nursery about 3 weeks ago. We planted it a couple days later. It seems to be doing okay except the leaves have a lot of brown spots on them. I am new to gardening. I live in Southern Alabama. The temperature here is in the high 90s right now. The plant gets full sun in the afternoon. I have been watering the plant every day. Can you give me advice on how to care for hydrangeas? Do you know what might be causing the brown spots and what I need to do to rid my plant of them? Thank you in advance.
Answer Hi Jenna,
Thanx for your question. I'm familiar with growing conditions in South Alabama. I lived on the Florida Panhandle in the mid-80s. Here's a link to the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service (ACES) with information regarding brown spot. May I also suggest that in hot, humid climates such as yours, plant hydrangeas in areas where they will get protection from the afternoon sun. Whenever possible, water at ground level. Avoid getting water on the leaves. Water in the morning instead of late in the evening.
