Hydrangeas are valued for their beauty, ease of care, and versatility, that made them a popular choice for gardeners around the world for centuries.1
However, even these resilient beauties can experience moments of stress, leading to lackluster leaves or diminished blossoms. If your hydrangeas are looking a bit tired, don’t worry.
Here are easy and simple tips to rejuvenate your hydrangeas and bring them back to their full glory.
Best Spot for Hydrangeas
The best position for hydrangeas depends on several factors, including the specific variety, your climate, and the overall conditions in your garden. However, some general guidelines apply to most hydrangeas:
Sunlight
- Partial shade: Most hydrangeas thrive in partial shade, receiving around 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, preferably in the morning. This helps protect them from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch their leaves and flowers.
- Full sun or full shade: Some hydrangea varieties can tolerate full sun or full shade, but this depends on your climate and the specific cultivar. In hotter climates, full sun may be too intense, while in cooler climates, full shade may limit flowering. Research your specific hydrangea variety for its sunlight requirements.
Soil
- Well-draining: Hydrangeas need well-draining soil to prevent root rot. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
- Moist: Hydrangeas prefer consistently moist soil, but not waterlogged. Water them regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Slightly acidic: Most hydrangeas prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. You can test your soil pH and amend it if necessary.
Protection
- Wind: Protect hydrangeas from strong winds, which can damage their delicate stems and flowers. Choose a sheltered location or provide windbreaks.
- Root competition: Avoid planting hydrangeas too close to trees or shrubs, as their roots can compete for water and nutrients.
Additional Tips
- Consider mature size: Hydrangeas can grow quite large, so choose a location that allows enough space for them to mature.
- Container planting: Hydrangeas can be grown in containers, but choose a large pot with drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.
Do Hydrangeas Need to Be Pruned?
Hydrangeas don’t necessarily need to be pruned to grow and flower well. However, pruning can help maintain their shape, size, and overall health, and can also encourage more abundant blooms in some varieties.
Whether or not to prune, and how to prune, depends on the specific type of hydrangea you have:
Hydrangeas That Bloom on Old Wood
- Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla – pictured above)
- Oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia)
- Mountain hydrangeas (Hydrangea serrata)
These hydrangeas form their flower buds on the previous year’s growth (old wood). Pruning them in late summer, fall, or winter will remove these buds and reduce or eliminate flowering the following year. If pruning is necessary, do so immediately after flowering to allow time for new growth and bud formation before winter.
Hydrangeas That Bloom on New Wood
- Smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens – pictured above)
- Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata)
These hydrangeas form their flower buds on new growth that emerges in the spring. They can be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can encourage more vigorous growth and larger flower heads.
General Pruning Tips
- Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches anytime.
- Remove spent flowers (deadheading) to encourage new blooms in some varieties.
- Avoid pruning in late summer or fall, as this can stimulate new growth that may be susceptible to winter damage.
If you’re unsure whether or not to prune your hydrangea, or how to prune it, consult a gardening expert or refer to resources specific to your hydrangea variety.
Fertilizing Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas don’t necessarily need fertilizer to survive, especially if they are planted in nutrient-rich soil. However, fertilizing can help promote healthy growth, vibrant foliage, and more abundant blooms.
When to Fertilize
- Early spring: As the hydrangeas begin to leaf out, apply a slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs.
- Early summer: If you want to encourage more blooms, you can apply a second dose of fertilizer in early summer (May or June).
Avoid fertilizing after early summer, as this can encourage late-season growth that may not harden off before winter.
Types of Fertilizer
- Balanced fertilizer: A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, provides equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This is a good option for general growth and maintenance.
- Rose or shrub fertilizer: These fertilizers are often higher in phosphorus, which can promote blooming.
- Organic options: Compost, manure, or other organic fertilizers can also be used to nourish hydrangeas.
Mulching Hydrangeas
You should definitely mulch your hydrangeas. Mulching offers several benefits for these beautiful shrubs:
- Moisture retention: Hydrangeas prefer consistently moist soil. Mulch helps retain moisture by reducing evaporation, especially during hot and dry periods.
- Weed suppression: Mulch acts as a barrier, preventing weed seeds from germinating and competing with your hydrangeas for water and nutrients.
- Temperature regulation: Mulch helps insulate the soil, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This protects hydrangea roots from extreme temperature fluctuations and creates a more stable growing environment.
- Soil improvement: As organic mulch breaks down over time, it adds valuable organic matter to the soil. This improves soil structure, drainage, and nutrient content, benefiting your hydrangeas in the long run.
- Erosion control: Mulch helps prevent soil erosion, especially on slopes or areas with heavy rainfall. This protects your hydrangeas’ roots and ensures a stable foundation for growth.
- Aesthetic appeal: Mulch gives your garden a neat and finished look, enhancing the overall appearance of your hydrangeas.
Best Practices for Mulching Hydrangeas
- Choose the right mulch: Organic mulch, such as shredded bark, wood chips, compost, or pine needles, is ideal for hydrangeas. Avoid using inorganic mulch like rocks or gravel, as they don’t offer the same benefits.
- Apply a 2-4 inch layer: Spread a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around your hydrangeas, keeping it a few inches away from the stems to prevent rot and fungal diseases.
- Mulch in spring or fall: Early spring or late fall are the best times to mulch hydrangeas, ensuring the soil is protected throughout the growing season and winter.
- Refresh mulch annually: Top up the mulch layer annually to maintain its benefits and keep your hydrangeas looking their best.
With these easy, simple tips, you can now confidently revitalize your hydrangeas and ensure they continue to be a vibrant focal point in your garden. A little care and attention can go a long way in ensuring these beautiful plants thrive.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.