Climbing Hydrangea Stems Are Hollow And Dried

Question From: MICHIGAN
Q: My 30 year old climbing Hydrangea is dying. The stems are hollow and dried up. Other stems are dried and very brittle. There is new growth on it, so not completely dead. It has never flowered in all the years I’ve had it. But the beautiful foliage and vining made up for it. I don’t see any bugs on it. There is a younger one right next to it,and it’s doing fantastic, no sign of distress. How long do these Hydrangea live. Wondering if this is the problem.

A: Under the right condition they may live seventy years or more. The younger vine may be competing with the older for nutrients and moisture. Lack of water last summer and the extreme heat may also have stressed it, You might want to have a professional, a certified arborist take a look at it. To find one in your area go to www.tcia.org and enter your zip code. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.