Hydrangea Buds Turning Black: 'Dry Bud' from Moisture Stress

A gardener's 'Endless Summer' hydrangea had blackened buds that won't bloom, though plant looks healthy.

Cause and Fix

Gill diagnosed 'dry bud'—a dry spell during bud formation damages buds but doesn't seriously harm the plant. Hydrangeas need consistently moist roots. Water well during dry periods and apply deep mulch to reduce evaporation.

Consistent moisture prevents bud damage in hydrangeas.