Caring for hydrangeas is a truly rewarding experience. You can achieve beautiful results, no matter your gardening skill level. These plants bring incredible beauty and variety to any garden. With proper care, some Bigleaf or Mophead hydrangeas can live for 10 to 20 years. Their longevity depends on good growing conditions and consistent care for hydrangeas. A few key hydrangea care tips ensure lush foliage and abundant blooms. This guide will show you how to care for hydrangeas successfully.
Key Takeaways
Choose the right spot for your hydrangea. Most hydrangeas like morning sun and afternoon shade.
Water your hydrangeas regularly. Give them about one inch of water each week. Water at the base of the plant.
Fertilize your hydrangeas once a season. Do this in late winter or early spring. Stop fertilizing in August.
Prune hydrangeas at the correct time. This depends on the type of hydrangea. Pruning helps them grow strong and bloom well.
Solve common problems. Too much fertilizer can stop blooms. Wilting leaves mean too much or too little water.
How to Grow Hydrangeas Successfully
Growing hydrangeas brings immense satisfaction. You can achieve beautiful blooms and healthy plants by understanding their basic needs. Knowing how to grow hydrangeas starts with careful planning.
Choosing the Right Site
Selecting the perfect spot for your hydrangea is crucial. The right location ensures your plant thrives and produces abundant flowers. You need to consider sunlight exposure, especially in different climates.
Most hydrangeas prefer morning sun and afternoon shade. This protects them from the intense heat of the day. In cooler climates, your hydrangeas can tolerate more direct sun if they receive enough water.
However, in hot regions, partial shade is essential. Protect them from the strong afternoon sun. If you live in a warm area, consider placing your hydrangeas on the shadier side of their preferred light conditions. You can even use shade cloth or an umbrella during very sunny periods. Potted hydrangeas benefit from moving to shady, protected areas during hot, dry spells.
Here is a guide to sun requirements for different hydrangea varieties:
Hydrangea Variety | Sun Requirements | Climate Zone Considerations |
|---|---|---|
General Hydrangeas | Morning sun and afternoon shade or partial to full shade and filtered light | Tolerate more sun in cool climates with ample water; in hot climates, partial shade with protection from direct sun (especially afternoon sun) is best. |
Panicle Hydrangeas | More sun than other varieties | Adaptable even in warm climates. |
Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) | Partial to full shade | Grow well across varying climates in zones 3-9. |
‘Incrediball’ | At least six hours of sunlight daily | In warm climates, allow more shade; morning sun with afternoon shade or dappled light is ideal. |
‘Bloomstruck’ | Partial shade to dappled sunlight | Tolerates sunnier locations in cool climates with consistent soil moisture. |
‘Big Daddy’ (Bigleaf) | Partial shade, tolerates full shade | Appreciates partial shade, especially during the heat of the day; tolerates full shade in hot climates. |
Oakleaf Hydrangeas | Full sun to partial shade | Tolerates hot summer conditions; native to the southeastern U.S. |
‘Mariesii Variegata’ | Partial shade | Needs regular moisture and partial shade for best growth, especially in intense summer heat; tolerates more shade in hot climates. |
‘Limelight’ (Panicle) | Full sun to partial shade | Grows in full sun in cool climates and prefers afternoon shade in warm regions. |
Preparing Soil and Planting
Good soil is the foundation for healthy hydrangeas. They prefer rich, well-draining soil. If you are planting in pots, use high-quality peat-based potting soil. The best times to plant hydrangeas are in the fall or early spring. This gives them time to establish roots before extreme weather.
Before you begin how to plant hydrangeas, assess your soil. You can improve your soil’s structure and nutrient content with amendments:
For Sandy Soil:
Compost: This increases water retention and boosts nutrient levels.
For Silt Soil:
Organic material (like compost): This improves soil structure.
For Clay Soil:
Organic material (like compost): This enhances soil structure, increases drainage, and boosts nutrient levels.
If your soil drainage takes longer than 24 hours, you can add sand or very fine rocks. Coconut coir also improves soil structure, aeration, and nutrient absorption; use it in a 1:1 ratio with soil. Sphagnum moss enhances water retention and aeration, but limit it to no more than 30% to prevent hardening.
For nutrient content, organic mulches like pine bark, pine needles, or fall leaves are excellent. They prevent the soil from drying out, suppress weeds, and add acidity and nutrients as they break down.
When you are ready to plant, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Gently remove the hydrangea from its container. Loosen any circling roots. Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill with soil, gently tamping it down to remove air pockets.
Initial Watering Needs
Newly planted hydrangeas need more frequent and thorough watering than established plants. This increased watering is vital for their root systems to develop strongly. You must pay particular attention to watering during warm weather.
Water your newly planted hydrangeas every 1-2 days. In extreme heat or drought conditions, you may need to water them even more frequently. Ensure the water reaches deep into the soil to encourage deep root growth. This consistent moisture helps your young plant settle into its new home and begin its journey toward becoming a beautiful, blooming shrub. Proper initial care for hydrangeas sets them up for long-term success.
Caring for Hydrangeas: Watering and Feeding
Proper watering and feeding are essential for healthy hydrangeas. You can ensure vibrant blooms and strong growth with consistent attention to these practices. This section guides you through the best ways of caring for hydrangeas.
Watering Practices
Hydrangeas love consistent moisture. You need to water them regularly. Mature hydrangeas generally need about one inch of water each week. This amount can come from rain or from your watering efforts.
In hotter climates, like USDA zones 7 and up, you will need to water more often. High temperatures cause water to evaporate faster. Always water your hydrangeas in the morning. This gives the plant time to absorb water before the heat of the day. Watering at the base of the plant is best. Avoid watering over the leaves. This helps prevent fungal diseases.
Your hydrangeas will tell you when they are thirsty. Their leaves will droop. This often happens during hot weather.
💧 Watering Tip: Hydrangeas prefer moist soil. Water them from the base before dusk or at dawn. Give them a good soak for about 30 minutes. Adjust this time based on the weather. Water daily in sunny and hot conditions. Water every other day if temperatures are lower.
It is important to know the difference between overwatering and underwatering. Both can harm your plant.
Signs of Overwatering:
Leaves turn yellow and brown. Browning often appears on the edges.
Leaves feel heavy, droopy, or mushy. They may wilt but are not dry.
Yellowing leaves often have green veins.
Signs of Underwatering:
Leaves are dry and crispy.
Yellowing leaves wilt and become crisp or dry.
Fertilizing for Health
Fertilizing gives your hydrangeas the nutrients they need to grow strong and bloom beautifully. You should start fertilizing the year after planting. All types of hydrangeas, including Bigleaf, Panicle, Smooth, Oakleaf, and Mountain, benefit from fertilizer. Apply fertilizer at least once a season. Do this in late winter or early spring when new growth appears. This is an important part of hydrangea spring care.
Some hydrangeas, especially reblooming varieties like Bigleaf, Mountain, and Smooth types, do well with a second feeding. Apply this second fertilizer in midsummer. If you keep hydrangeas in containers over winter, a single spring application of slow-release fertilizer is usually enough. Stop fertilizing in August. Fertilizing too late in the season can cause new growth that might not survive the first frost.
You can choose from many types of fertilizers. Here is a table of some popular options:
Fertilizer Name | N-P-K Ratio | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
Espoma Organic Holly-tone | 4-3-4 | Acid-loving hydrangeas (e.g., Bigleaf, Oakleaf, Climbing) | Promotes lush green foliage and abundant blooms; helps maintain soil acidity. |
Espoma Organic Flower-tone | 3-4-5 | All flowering plants, including hydrangeas | Enhances bloom size and color; provides a steady release of nutrients. |
Espoma Organic Plant-tone | 5-3-3 | General purpose for all plants, including hydrangeas | All-purpose plant food for steady, continuous feeding. |
Espoma Organic Grow! | 8-2-2 | Promoting vigorous growth in young hydrangeas or those needing a boost | High nitrogen for vegetative growth. |
Espoma Organic Bloom! | 1-8-5 | Enhancing flowering in mature hydrangeas | High phosphorus for abundant blooms. |
Espoma Organic Bone Meal | 4-12-0 | Boosting phosphorus for root development and flowering | Excellent source of phosphorus and calcium. |
Espoma Organic Blood Meal | 12-0-0 | Providing a quick nitrogen boost for foliage growth | Fast-acting nitrogen source. |
Espoma Organic Garden-tone | 3-4-4 | Vegetable gardens and flowering plants | All-purpose organic plant food. |
Espoma Organic Rose-tone | 4-3-2 | Roses and other flowering shrubs | Specifically formulated for roses, but beneficial for other flowering plants. |
Espoma Organic Tree-tone | 6-3-2 | Trees and shrubs, including hydrangeas | Promotes strong root growth and overall plant health. |
Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier | N/A | Lowering soil pH for blue hydrangeas | Contains elemental sulfur to acidify soil. |
Espoma Organic Aluminum Sulfate | N/A | Turning pink hydrangeas blue | Provides aluminum ions needed for blue color. |
Espoma Organic Hydrangea Food | 4-8-4 | Specifically formulated for hydrangeas to promote vibrant blooms | Balanced nutrition for all hydrangea types. |
Soil pH and Bloom Color
The color of Bigleaf hydrangea blooms depends on your soil’s pH. Soil pH directly affects how much aluminum the plant can absorb. Aluminum ions in the soil determine the flower color.
Acidic soil (pH 6.9 or lower) makes aluminum available to the plant. This results in blue flowers.
Neutral to alkaline soil (pH 7.0-8.5+) binds the aluminum. This makes it unavailable to the plant. This results in pink flowers.
You can change your soil’s pH to get the bloom color you want. This is a fascinating aspect of care for hydrangeas.
For Blue Blooms (acidify soil):
Use cottonseed meal. It is naturally acidic and lowers soil pH. It also acts as a slow-release fertilizer.
Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier contains elemental sulfur and gypsum. This lowers soil pH. It is safer than aluminum sulfate.
For Pink Blooms (increase soil alkalinity):
Add garden lime. This raises soil pH. Apply 1/2 cup around the base in early spring. Work it into the soil. Reapply if needed after a few weeks. This helps maintain a pH above 7.
Caring for hydrangeas means understanding these soil conditions. You can enjoy a beautiful display of colors in your garden.
Pruning Hydrangeas
You need to know how to prune hydrangeas correctly for healthy plants and abundant blooms. Different types require different approaches. Pruning helps your plants stay strong and produce beautiful flowers.
Pruning Bigleaf and Oakleaf Types
For Bigleaf hydrangeas that bloom on old wood, prune them right after their flowers fade. This gives the plant time to grow new wood and set buds for next year. If you have reblooming Bigleaf hydrangeas, which flower on both old and new wood, you can prune them in early spring or after the first flush of flowers. Try to remove as little wood as possible. This prevents delaying new blooms. Early pruning might delay flowering, and mid-season pruning could shorten the reblooming period.
Here are some general pruning tips for Bigleaf hydrangeas:
Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Cut them just above a healthy bud or branch.
Trim long or straggly branches to keep a neat shape. Preserve the plant’s natural form.
Thin out interior branches. This improves air flow and light. It leads to healthier growth and more flowers.
After flowering, remove spent blooms. Cut the stalks back to healthy buds. This encourages new growth and more blooms.
Oakleaf hydrangeas also bloom on last year’s wood. Prune them right after they flower, usually in summer. Do not prune in fall or late winter. This removes next year’s flower buds. When you prune for shape or to remove spent blooms, use sharp, clean scissors. Avoid heavy pruning in fall. This can cause new growth that frost can damage.
Pruning Panicle and Smooth Types
Panicle hydrangeas bloom on new wood. This means pruning does not hurt their bloom production. Pruning helps them grow stronger stems, bloom better, and have a nicer shape. The best time to prune hydrangeas like Panicles is in late fall after they go dormant, or in early spring as new growth starts. Pruning in spring helps you see where healthy buds are, so you know where to cut.
Smooth hydrangeas also bloom on new wood. Let them grow for one or two seasons before you do any major pruning. Once established, you can prune them down to the ground in the spring. Or, leave them unpruned for a larger shrub. Their flower buds grow on the current season’s new growth. In early spring, remove weak, dead, or crossing branches. Also remove branches that do not improve the plant’s shape. To significantly reduce an established plant’s size, cut all stems to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Each spring, cut back last year’s stems to a pair of healthy buds. This maintains a permanent framework. For larger flowerheads, hard prune to the lowest pair of healthy buds, creating a low framework about 25cm (10in) high. If you want more height, cut to about 60cm (2ft) tall.
Best Pruning Times
Knowing when to prune is as important as knowing how. Pruning hydrangeas at the wrong time can greatly reduce the number of blooms. For most varieties, pruning in autumn can remove new flower buds that have already formed. This will spoil next season’s flowers. Always check your hydrangea type to ensure you prune at the right time for the best results.
Troubleshooting Hydrangea Issues
Even with the best care, you might encounter some problems with your hydrangeas. Do not worry. You can often fix these issues. This section helps you identify and solve common hydrangea problems.
Addressing Lack of Blooms
Sometimes your hydrangea does not bloom. This can be frustrating. Several reasons cause this. You might use too much fertilizer. This makes leaves grow big but stops flowers from forming. Pruning at the wrong time also prevents blooms.
This is especially true for varieties that bloom on old wood. Winter weather can also cause problems. Late frosts or very cold winters can freeze flower buds. This stops them from blooming.
You want to know how to get hydrangeas to bloom. Focus on correct pruning for your plant type. Use fertilizers with more phosphorus. This helps flowers develop. Ensure your hydrangea gets enough sunlight. Bigleaf Hydrangeas like partial shade. Panicle varieties need more sun. Water regularly and use mulch. This keeps the soil moist. Protect hydrangeas from frost if they bloom on old wood. Frost damage kills buds. Test your soil’s pH. Adjust it to 5.5-6.5 if needed. Be patient with young plants. They need 2-3 years to bloom well.
Managing Leaf Problems
Hydrangea leaves can show signs of trouble. You might see wilting or spots. Bacterial wilt causes leaves and flowers to wilt. They turn brown. Bacterial leaf spot starts as small wet spots. These spots darken and spread. Anthracnose begins as small brown spots. They grow quickly. The centers turn light brown. This looks like a bull’s-eye. Powdery mildew looks like a white powder on leaves. Yellow or purple blotches might also appear.
You can manage leaf problems. Give your bushes good air circulation. Space them out. Prune them correctly. Remove and destroy fallen leaves in summer. Also, remove infected leaves from the plant. Avoid watering from overhead. This keeps leaves from staying wet. For severe issues, fungicides are available.
Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases can harm your hydrangeas. You need to watch for them. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects. They suck liquid from leaves. This makes leaves yellow and stems weak. Japanese beetles nibble leaves. They leave only the veins. This makes leaves look lacy. Spider mites are tiny insects. They create webbing. Their feeding makes leaves look freckled.
You can control pests organically. Encourage beneficial insects. Ladybirds and lacewings eat pests. Plant flowers like marigolds near hydrangeas. Use neem oil.
It stops pests from feeding. Mix it with water and spray your plants. Insecticidal soaps also work. They control soft-bodied pests. Horticultural oils suffocate pests. Apply them during the dormant season. You can also remove pests by hand. Use a strong jet of water to dislodge aphids. This helps with the overall care for hydrangeas.
You now understand the key steps for successful care for hydrangeas. Consistent attention to planting, watering, feeding, and pruning leads to beautiful results. Observe your plants closely. Adjust your care as needed. You will find great joy in growing hydrangeas. They add vibrant beauty to any landscape.
