Your Hydrangea Care Guide

Be sure the box is right side up when opening. Remove the hydrangea and immediately water thoroughly and let drain. Remove any damaged or yellowing leaves. Choose to plant it in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. This helps protect your hydrangea from the harsh midday sun.

Dig a hole twice the size (wide and deep) as the hydrangea’s root ball, placing the removed soil to the side. Mix this soil with some compost and add enough of the mixture to the hole so that when the root ball is placed into the hole, it is positioned at the same level as it was in the pot. Continue to add the soil mixture around the rootball, tamping it down as you go to remove air pockets. Be sure to cover the rootball’s surface with the soil mixture, as well. Use any remaining soil mixture to create a circular dam around the base of the planted hydrangea root ball, and gently add water into this space, being sure to not collapse the soil dam. This ensures the water will seep into the soil and roots.

Your hydrangea will love to be watered! Water your hydrangea regularly and keep the soil consistently moist. Provide about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, especially so during dry spells. A soaker hose or drip irrigation set up at the base of the plant will make this task easier. Avoid getting the hydrangea’s leaves wet when watering, especially in the evenings. A layer of mulch will help retain moisture. Create a ring of mulch around the hydrangea to help direct the irrigation water around the plant’s roots.

As nature takes its course, your hydrangea will grow and bloom. Remove old flower heads to encourage new flowers to form and to maintain an elegant appearance. Occasionally examine the plant for any signs of pests or disease and act as needed.

Finding the perfect balance of sunlight and shade is essential for happy hydrangeas. Most varieties prefer morning sun and afternoon shade to prevent wilting. For varieties that thrive in full sun, ensure they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Keep soil consistently moist without overwatering. Water deeply—about 1 to 2 inches of water—at least once each week. Allow the soil to become slightly dry between watering. Take rainfall (and lack of rain) into consideration when determining how much water to apply.

Hydrangeas grow best when routinely provided with nutrition. We recommend using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a month during the growing season. In early spring, apply a phosphorus-rich fertilizer to promote the growth of strong roots and flower buds.

Think of pruning a hydrangea like this: You’re removing a spent bloom but you’re also encouraging new growth and enhancing future flowers. After the flowers have faded, snip off the dead blossoms and trim any branches to shape the plant as you wish. If you’re growing Bigleaf (H. macrophylla) or Oakleaf (H. quercifolia) Hydrangeas, begin pruning after the second year of growth to allow time for them to establish a strong root system.