Question
I HAVE 3 LIMELIGHT HYDRANGAS. THEY LOOK BEAUTIFUL UNTIL JUST BEFORE THEY BLOOM THEN THE LEAVES TURN YELLOW AND FALL OFF. IVE HAD THEM FOR 3 YRS. AND THEY DO THIS EVERY YR.  WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?

Answer
Hi Regina

Thank you for your question.

Hydrangeas need a deep, fairly rich soil which, while being water retentive, also needs to be free draining.

I sounds to me that your plants may be growing in a shallow, chalky soil and therefore suffering a deficiency in some essential minerals - iron, manganese and nitrogen for example - and water.

If you have a part of your garden which has a deeper richer soil it may be worth moving the plants and then giving them a good feed with a general fertilizer which contains all the trace elements to give them a 'kick-start'. You should be able to get an appropriate fertilizer from your local garden center or other plant supplier.

Even if you can't move your plants give them a good feed and plenty of water on a regular basis.

I hope this helps to solve the problem - good luck.