How To Grow And Care For Hydrangeas

Are you looking to add hydrangeas to your garden but not sure which variety to choose? Choosing the right hydrangea can be overwhelming with so many types of hydrangeas available. In this article, we will guide you through the process to help you select the perfect hydrangea for your garden.

1. Determine the Size of Your Garden:

Hydrangeas come in various sizes, from small dwarf varieties to large shrubs. Consider the size of your garden and the available space when choosing a hydrangea variety. For small gardens, choose a compact variety like the Cityline® series that does not take up much space, while for larger gardens, a hydrangea paniculata variety that takes up more space would be ideal.

2. Consider the Climate:

Hydrangeas are sensitive to environmental factors, so you want to choose a variety that can survive in your climate. For instance, the Oakleaf hydrangea is more suited to cold climates, while the Annabelle can adapt to colder areas and hot climates with ease.

3. Choose a Hydrangea That Fits Your Style:

Hydrangeas come in different colors and blooms, and it's essential to choose one that reflects your gardening style. If you prefer a classic look, choose a white hydrangea like Annabelle, or for a pop of color, go for a bold blue hydrangea like the Nikko Blue.

4. Determine the Soil Type:

Finally, the soil type in your garden affects how well your hydrangea will grow and thrive. For example, the mophead variety performs best in acidic soil, while the panicle hydrangea does well in alkaline soil.

By following these helpful tips, you will find a hydrangea variety that fits perfectly into your garden and provides beautiful blooms for years to come.

Planting and Soil Preparation for Hydrangeas: When it comes to planting hydrangeas, proper soil preparation is absolutely essential. Hydrangeas prefer soil that is rich in organic matter, moist but well-draining, and slightly acidic. Here are some tips on how to prepare your planting site and soil for your hydrangeas. 1. Choose the Perfect Location: Hydrangeas love partial to full shade in the morning with afternoon shade preferred to protect the flowers from the hot sun. Avoid planting them in locations with direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. They strive well in the dappled shade of deciduous trees. 2. Test Your Soil: Do a soil test prior to planting to know the pH level of your soil. Hydrangeas prefer slightly acid soil about 5.5 to 6.5 pH but can tolerate a range of soil pH from 5.5-7.5. Soil test kits are available at most gardening stores, or you can have your soil tested professionally. 3. Prepare Your Soil: If your soil is not the right pH, you can amend it. To acidify alkaline soil, add organic matter, such as peat moss, compost, or aged pine bark. To make soil more neutral or alkaline, add ground limestone. After amending the soil, mix everything up well, so that it is well it is evenly distributed. 4. Add Nutrients: Hydrangeas thrive in soil that is rich in nutrients. Add the right amount of nutrients to prevent problems like insufficient flowering, shriveling leaves, or discolored spots on leaves. Adding compost or aged manure to the soil will help improve the structure and nutrient content of the soil. 5. Dig Your Hole: Dig the planting hole about twice the size of the rootball and at the same depth. Seedlings should be placed 3-6 feet apart. 6. Plant Your Hydrangea: Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the rootball is level with the surrounding soil, not deeper or shallower. When you fill in the hole, mix some of the organic matter and soil back in with the soil that you excavated. Water thoroughly immediately after planting. By following these simple tips, you can prepare the best soil for your hydrangeas. With a little bit of care and attention, your hydrangeas will thrive and reward you with beautiful blooms year after year.

One of the most important aspects of growing and caring for hydrangeas is watering and fertilizing. Proper watering and fertilizing will allow your hydrangeas to thrive and produce beautiful blooms. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Watering: Hydrangeas require regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. They prefer moist soil, but not waterlogged. To keep your hydrangeas hydrated, water deeply once or twice a week. Avoid watering the foliage as this can lead to diseases. Instead, water directly at the base of the plant.


2. Fertilizing: Hydrangeas benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. Phosphorus helps promote blooming. Feed your hydrangeas once a month from spring to late summer. Be careful not to over-fertilize as this can lead to excessive leaf growth and fewer blooms.


3. Additional tips: Mulching around the base of your hydrangeas can help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. Pine needles or bark chips work well as mulch. If your hydrangeas are potted, be sure to water them more frequently as they dry out faster than those in the ground.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your hydrangeas receive the proper watering and fertilization they need to thrive and produce stunning blooms year after year.

Proper pruning and deadheading are essential for maintaining healthy and vibrant hydrangeas, and to ensure that they continue to bloom season after season. Here are some tips that will help enhance the beauty of your hydrangeas:

1. Pruning for size and shape: Hydrangeas can grow to be quite large, and if space is limited, it may be necessary to trim them back. The best time to prune hydrangeas is in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. It's important to note that not all hydrangeas should be pruned the same way, so it's important to know what type of hydrangea you have before you start pruning. For most hydrangeas, remove any dead or damaged wood, and cut back to just above a healthy bud. You can also trim back any branches that are growing in the wrong direction to maintain a desired shape.
2. Deadheading for continued bloom: Removing spent flowers, or deadheading, will encourage your hydrangeas to produce new blooms. Deadheading also helps prevent the plant from expending energy on producing seeds, which can reduce the number of blooms the following year. For most hydrangeas, simply clip off the spent blooms at a 45-degree angle, just above the first set of leaves below the flower.
3. Pruning specific types of hydrangeas: As mentioned earlier, different types of hydrangeas require different pruning techniques. For example, panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) bloom on new wood, so they can be pruned back to 12-18 inches in late winter or early spring. Smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) also bloom on new wood, so they can be pruned back more aggressively in the spring. Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) and mountain hydrangeas (Hydrangea serrata) should be pruned sparingly, as they bloom on old wood. Simply remove any dead or damaged wood, and cut back to just above a healthy bud.
4. When to avoid pruning: In some cases, it's best to avoid pruning altogether. For example, if you have a lacecap or mophead hydrangea that is not blooming well, it may be due to winter damage and pruning may only further damage the plant. For these types of hydrangeas, it's best to wait until the following spring to see if the plant begins to produce new growth and blooms. If it does not, you may need to replace the plant.

Remember, proper pruning and deadheading can help ensure that your hydrangeas look their best and bloom to their fullest potential. With a little care and attention, your hydrangeas will thrive and provide years of enjoyment in your garden.

Hydrangeas are prone to some common diseases that can affect their growth and beauty. However, with some preventive measures and timely treatments, you can keep your hydrangeas healthy and robust.

1. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes dark spots on the leaves of hydrangeas. It can lead to early leaf drop and weaken the plant. To prevent leaf spot, avoid overhead watering, provide good air circulation around the plant, and clean up any fallen debris around the base of the plant. If your hydrangea does contract leaf spot, remove and dispose of the affected leaves, and treat with a fungicide.
2. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that looks like a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems of hydrangeas. It can stunt the growth of the plant and cause leaves to wilt and die. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid over-fertilizing and overhead watering, and provide good air circulation around the plant. If your hydrangea does contract powdery mildew, prune off the affected areas and treat with a fungicide.
3. Bud Blight: Bud blight is a fungal disease that affects the flower buds of hydrangeas, causing them to turn brown and die. To prevent bud blight, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant. If your hydrangea does contract bud blight, prune off the affected buds and dispose of them in the trash. Be sure to sterilize your pruning tools with a disinfectant to prevent spreading the disease.
4. Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of hydrangeas, causing them to rot and the plant to wilt. To prevent root rot, avoid over-watering and plant hydrangeas in well-draining soil. If your hydrangea does contract root rot, remove the infected plant and soil, and sterilize the location before planting a new hydrangea.

By following these preventive measures and treating any diseases promptly, you can enjoy your hydrangeas' beauty year after year.

Hydrangeas are beautiful flowers that come in a range of colors and bloom abundantly during the summer months. However, they need special winter care and protection to survive the cold temperature. Here are some tips on how to care for hydrangeas during the winter:

1. Watering: Before the first frost, give your hydrangeas a deep watering to help them prepare for the cold winter months. But not too much, excess water can cause the root zone to become waterlogged and promote root rot. So, be careful while watering them.
2. Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of hydrangeas to help insulate them. Use 3 to 4 inches of organic materials like chopped leaves, straw or pine needles. Mulching protects the roots from extreme temperature fluctuations and helps retain moisture in the soil.
3. Pruning: Avoid pruning your hydrangeas during the fall season as it can stimulate new growth, which will be vulnerable to winter damage.
4. Covering: If the winter is extremely cold, consider covering your hydrangeas with burlap or blankets to protect them from freezing. Secure the covering in place with twine or string.
5. Location: Choose a sheltered location for planting your hydrangeas. If they are in a location that is exposed to winds, the cold temperature can cause dehydration and damage the plant.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure the survival of your hydrangeas during the winter months. In the spring, your plants will reward you with a beautiful show of flowers again.

To conclude, hydrangeas are easy to grow and care for. Just ensure that you give them the right amount of sun, water, and soil and protect them during the winter months. By following these tips, you can enjoy their beautiful blooms for years to come.