How to care for hydrangeas — 7 pro tips for fabulous, flowering shrubs (2024)

Learning how to care for hydrangeas is easy, so it's no wonder they're such popular plants. Of course, their huge blooms are a selling point, too, and make excellent cut flowers, both fresh and dried.

While these shrubs are low-maintenance, there are a few things to consider to keep them in their prime. Below, gardening experts reveal all the essentials — including advice on watering, soil type, and container plant care.

Whether growing in your borders or as beautiful outdoor potted plants, our pros' tips will help you enjoy a stunning hydrangea display year after year.

An expert guide on how to care for hydrangeas

A hydrangea can make an impressive addition to your whimsical garden plant ideas, and contemporary schemes alike — if looked after correctly.

1. Choose your variety carefully

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When it comes to choosing hydrangeas, you're spoilt for choice. There are compact varieties perfect for pots, climbing ones that clamber up walls, and larger shrubs ideal for improving garden privacy.

Different types offer different flowers. There are those with round, snow-white flowerheads ("Annabelle", available from Nature Hills, has been popular in recent years). Some have green blooms (try Hydrangea paniculata "Little Lime®", also from Nature Hills), while others have pretty pink or brilliant blue petals.

It pays to do your research and consider your options carefully, to pick one that's the right match for your space, needs, and climate.

For instance, Diane Kuthy, the founder of How To Grow Everything, shares that she's recently planted Hydrangea aborescens "Incrediball" (available at Nature Hills) to create a large, flowering hedge. They are easy to grow and don't need any special care in order to reliably bloom in her northern climate, she highlights.

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Diane Kuthy

Diane Kuthy is the founder and lead plant expert at How To Grow Everything, a collection of comprehensive grow guides for every plant and vegetable. Diane has over 10 years of gardening experience and she currently manages a five-acre farm, a four-season greenhouse, over 50 perennial fruit and vegetable varieties, and a large indoor plant conservatory.

2. Plant at the optimal time

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According to Anna Ohler, owner of Bright Lane Gardens nursery, you should plant hydrangeas either in the fall, or as a spring gardening job, when the weather is mild and the soil is workable. "Avoid planting during hot summer months or freezing winter conditions.

"If you live in a very hot region, planting in the fall is often a better choice to ensure your plant can receive enough water while establishing roots," she adds.

In climates with cold winters, Jessica Mercer of Plant Addicts recommends avoiding planting hydrangeas too early in the spring and risking a late frost. This could kill a newly planted hydrangea.

She says, "Similarly, in these areas, avoid planting hydrangeas close to the first expected hard freeze in late fall."

For gardeners in zone eight and above, planting can be done practically all winter, she adds, "as long as the soil is workable."

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Anna is an avid plant hobbyist and the owner and operator of Bright Lane Gardens, a boutique plant nursery in Northern Michigan. With over a decade of experience in gardening and landscaping, she takes every opportunity to share her knowledge on all things plant-related. She also runs the company'sYouTube channel, which is full of practical advice.

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Jessica Mercer

Jessica Mercer, PhD, is the senior content marketing coordinator forPlant Addicts. As a plant collector, Jessica enjoys growing many different plants and learning about the best culture practices for each. Writing forPlant Addictsis a real joy for her, as she can use her science background to research interesting plant topics.

Choosing the right weather conditions and time of day for planting can also benefit your shrub. Nastya Vasylchyshyna, resident botany expert at Plantum, recommends planting in the morning, on overcast days.

"This way, you’ll avoid stressing the shrub with direct sunlight and excess heat," she says.

Growing your hydrangea as part of a container garden for a small space? The optimal planting time is the same as those destined for flower beds.

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Nastya Vasylchyshyna

Nastya is a professional botany expert for the Plantum app that helps identify plants and plant diseases and provides care recommendations. Her specialization is plant morphology, phytopathology, and plant physiology.

3. Provide enough space

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It's always important to check your hydrangea's maturation size, as some varieties grow larger than others. For instance, Hydrangea macrophylla "Bailmer", available from Fast Growing Trees, can spread up to 6ft, while climbing hydrangeas can reach heights over 30ft.

A suitable planting space will make it easier to control in the long term, especially if you're working with a small garden. This will also improve air circulation around the plant which, Anna points out, will help prevent fungal diseases.

If growing in pots, Jessica says the container must be large enough to accommodate the dense, fibrous roots. "The medium-sized varieties will need a pot with at least a 20-inch diameter." Drainage holes are also important, she highlights. "Hydrangeas do not tolerate standing water."

4. Plant in suitable soil

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(Image credit: Erkki Makkonen / Alamy Stock Photo)

If planting hydrangeas in the ground, the ideal soil is a rich, well-drained loam, Jessica says. "For sites with heavy clay or sand, work several inches of organic matter, like compost, into the soil."

If potting up, plant your hydrangea in a high-quality potting mix with plenty of organic matter and perlite for drainage, she adds. We recommend the organic perlite from Perfect Plants Nursery.

It's possible to change the flower color of varieties of Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea serrata. The secret is in the pH of the soil: acidic soil will give you blue flowers, while alkaline or neutral conditions result in pink or reddish hues. You can buy suitable soil amendments online, such as Espoma's organic soil acidifier from Amazon.

"Keep in mind that using hard water can lead to the soil becoming more alkaline over time," says Nastya. Using water from a rain barrel will help keep your hydrangeas blue. Plus, it's a good way to save water — they're great for a more eco-friendly garden.

5. Get the right balance of sun and shade

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Many types of hydrangeas, such as Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea arborescens, are popular for shade gardens. However, Jessica warns that too much shade may result in your plant not blooming well — if at all. So, you'll need to get the balance right for the best results.

Georgia Clay of Monrovia says, "We recommend areas with morning sun and afternoon shade. If you live in a very hot area of the country, they really need a break from the heat." According to Jessica, this optimal positioning is typically on the east side of a house.

"Some varieties of Hydrangea paniculata can handle full sun," Georgia adds. "Be sure to read the tag to pick the right variety for your location."

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Georgia Clay

In her role, Georgia works with breeders and plant finders from around the world to bring new plants to market for Monrovia. Georgia has worked in many different areas of the horticulture industry including retail, growing, and landscaping.

6. Water regularly

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Watering correctly is crucial for happy and healthy garden borders.

Nastya says, "Hydrangeas are water-loving plants that benefit from consistent moisture. Proper watering helps them bloom longer and more profusely, as well as keep their foliage lush and healthy.

"It’s especially important to water young plants regularly for the first few months after planting so that they can build up a robust root system," she adds.

According to Georgia, a good rule of thumb is to water your hydrangea when the first inch of the soil feels dry to the touch.

Anna says to soak the ground around the hydrangea thoroughly with each watering, ensuring there is no standing water. "If you do encounter standing water, you may need to replant the hydrangea with a better-draining soil mix. Skip watering on days that receive heavy rain."

A layer of mulch (Lowe's carry a wide selection of mulch) is a helpful addition to keep moisture in the soil on hot, sunny days, she adds.Anna also notes that hydrangeas in containers will likely need more frequent watering than those in the ground.

A large watering can, such as the Qilebi two-gallon watering can with long spout and stainless steel head from Amazon, is essential for this gardening task.

7. Fertilize in the growing season

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Hydrangeas in borders can benefit from feeding during the growing season, particularly if the soil is poor or your plant is showing signs of stress.

Miracle-Gro's Performance Organics Blooms fertilizer, available from Amazon, is designed to boost flowering plants and is well-rated. Be sure to follow the application instructions on the label for best results.

Feeding is especially important for hydrangeas in planters, as the nutrients from the original potting soil will deplete over time. On this note, Anna recommends repotting container-grown hydrangeas every two to three years. Not only will this give you a chance to refresh the soil, but it will also prevent the plant from becoming root-bound.

Repotting isn't just for garden plants in containers, but it's a key part of caring for houseplants, too.

What to shop

How to care for hydrangeas — 7 pro tips for fabulous, flowering shrubs (13)No battery needed

Sonkir Soil pH Meter

Price: $9.99

This is a useful tool if you're growing blue or pink hydrangeas, to help keep bloom color how you want it. What's more, it can measure sunlight and moisture, too.

How to care for hydrangeas — 7 pro tips for fabulous, flowering shrubs (14)Budget-friendly

Edward Tools Garden Trowel

Price: $8.95

A hand trowel is an essential for planting hydrangeas in pots, and this sturdy design with its carbon steel blade and ergonomic grip is a great option.

How to care for hydrangeas — 7 pro tips for fabulous, flowering shrubs (15)Perfect for pots

Organic Potting Soil

Price: $12.99

This popular soil blend from Burpee includes coconut coir, which helps to retain moisture. Plus, it will feed your plants for up to three months.

FAQs

How do you care for hydrangeas in winter?

Hydrangeas are hardy, and those planted in the ground don't need much attention to get them winter-ready. Mulching in the fall, however, is beneficial for keeping the roots insulated and the soil moist.

Jessica recommends moving container-grown plants to a protected location over the winter, away from downspouts and areas with seasonal flooding. "You may need to wrap the pots in burlap or horticultural fabric if winter weather is severe in your area," she adds. This is a good way to protect plants from frost.

What pests and diseases can be a problem for hydrangeas?

Nastya says, "When it comes to diseases, hydrangeas are susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spotting.You can address these fungal infections by first pruning and incinerating affected shoots and then treating the shrub with a fungicide."

An example is Bonide's Captain Jack Copper Fungicide from Amazon, with over 6,000 5-star ratings.

Garden pest control is also important when learning how to care for hydrangeas. Common interlopers include aphids, spider mites, slugs, and Japanese beetles, Jessica lists. They can rarely kill a plant, but they can leave it looking unsightly, she says.

Aphids can be knocked off your hydrangea with a strong jet of water from a garden hose, she advises. "If the infestation is large, you can spray the infected areas with insecticidal soap or neem oil."

The Garden Safe insecticidal soap from Amazon is a very popular pick and comes in a ready-to-use spray.

Spider mites prefer warm, dry conditions and tend to be drawn to drought-stressed plants, Jessica continues. "To prevent these pests, keep your hydrangea well hydrated all growing season."

You can leave beer traps for slugs, or hand-pick them from the plant (wearing gardening gloves). Japanese beetles can also be removed by hand.

Looking for more planting advice? We've got practical guides on how to grow a rose garden and tips for growing lavender, too – both of which are beautiful cottage garden plants.

How to care for hydrangeas — 7 pro tips for fabulous, flowering shrubs (2024)

FAQs

How to care for hydrangeas — 7 pro tips for fabulous, flowering shrubs? ›

Hydrangeas do well in the partial shade provided by tall deciduous trees, especially if they receive morning sun and the partial shade occurs in the heat of the afternoon. Too much shade can reduce flower output. They will also thrive in full sun but might need extra water on hot summer days.

How do you care for a hydrangea shrub? ›

Hydrangeas do well in the partial shade provided by tall deciduous trees, especially if they receive morning sun and the partial shade occurs in the heat of the afternoon. Too much shade can reduce flower output. They will also thrive in full sun but might need extra water on hot summer days.

Should I water hydrangeas every day? ›

After you plant the hydrangea into the amended soil, be sure to add a thick layer of mulch. This will prevent weeds and maintain soil moisture. Then, give the plant a deep watering right after planting. Then again once or twice a week to keep the soil moist but not soggy (see watering tips below).

How do you trim hydrangeas so they keep blooming? ›

Prune back stems to just above a fat bud — called a heading cut — in fall, late winter or spring. These plants have conical-shaped flower heads. I recommend leaving the dry, tan flower heads on the plant to provide some winter interest in your landscape, so I wait to prune these until late winter or spring.

What side of the house should hydrangeas be planted on? ›

This is because hydrangeas love the warm morning sun, but they dislike the heat of the afternoon. The best place to plant hydrangeas is in a sheltered location with sunny mornings and shady afternoons. You often find this on the north or south side of your home.

Do hydrangeas need miracle grow? ›

Avoid feeding hydrangeas after August, especially in regions with cold winters. A slow-release plant food works well. For best results, try Miracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® Flowering Trees & Shrubs Plant Food, which feeds for up to 3 months.

What does an overwatered hydrangea look like? ›

Wilted or drooping leaves - If you see heavy leaves that seem to hang that may even be mushy to the touch, you might have overwatered hydrangeas. Flowers that constantly wilt and/or fewer flowers - A lack of blooms or wilting blooms is usually a sign that something is amiss with your plant.

What time of day should you water hydrangeas? ›

If you don't follow our above advice and continue watering your hydrangeas overhead (tsk, tsk), watering in the early morning will also allow the leaves to dry before the heat of the day. Just be sure to avoid watering when the day's heat peaks.

How to tell if hydrangea needs water? ›

The easiest and most obvious way to know if your hydrangea is underwatered is by checking out its leaves. If the leaves are drooping and pointing downwards, your hydrangea needs some water. This can happen in the afternoon sun and is easily remedied with a good soaking.

What month do you cut hydrangeas back? ›

Hydrangea macrophylla, bigleaf hydrangea

These plants produce buds in late summer to early fall (August-September) that will form next year's flowers. So prune these shrubs after they finish blooming and before August (again, make a heading cut).

What happens if you cut hydrangeas to the ground? ›

In late winter or early spring, these shrubs can be cut all the way back to the ground. Smooth hydrangeas will produce much larger blooms if pruned hard like this each year, but many gardeners opt for smaller blooms on sturdier stems.

Where not to plant hydrangeas? ›

Planting in Dry, Poorly-Drained Soil

Planting in infertile soil can be detrimental to the growth of your hydrangeas. Most hydrangeas prefer loamy, well-drained soil with lots of nutrients—avoid rocky, dry soil.

Do hydrangeas like coffee grounds? ›

Coffee grounds add extra acidity to the soil around hydrangeas. On a chemical level, this increased acidity makes it easier for the plant to absorb naturally occurring aluminum in the dirt. The effect is pretty blue clusters of flowers.

Do hydrangeas grow better in pots or in the ground? ›

Most potted, gift hydrangeas fail to thrive because they're kept indoors too long. Others die because they've been raised in a greenhouse, and even if planted outdoors, they're not cold hardy in your part of the country. But hydrangeas can be great potted plants, if you make good choices. Here's what you need to know.

When should hydrangeas be cut back? ›

Trim bigleaf hydrangeas back to a set of healthy buds after the flowers have faded, in late summer, before the plant begins to go dormant. Use sharp, clean trimmers to cut stems just higher than a pair of leaves, says Becker. For a heavier prune, remove the gray, older. or dead stems during the winter.

Do hydrangeas like full sun or shade? ›

Most common hydrangeas prefer a partial sun location - ideally receiving sun in the morning hours and shade in the afternoon. The reblooming Endless Summer® Hydrangea series prefers part shade. These include BloomStruck®, Endless Summer®, Blushing Bride®, and Twist-n-Shout®.

How often should you put coffee grounds around hydrangeas? ›

Start adding coffee grounds to the soil surrounding your hydrangeas in late fall. Sprinkle them around your hydrangeas, but be sure to work them into the soil to help eliminate any off-putting smell. You do not need to do this process often—just two to three times per year should be sufficient.

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