Hydrangea Care
Watering
- For the first year or two after planting and during any drought, be sure hydrangeas get plenty of water.
- Water at a rate of 1 inch per week throughout the growing season. It’s better to deeply water 3 times a week than sprinkle water in a shallow manner. This encourages root growth.
- Bigleaf and smooth hydrangeas require more water, but all varieties benefit from consistent moisture.
- Leaves will wilt if the soil is too dry, and flowering will be hampered by a lack of water.
- Use a soaker hose to water deeply and keep moisture off the flowers and leaves.
- It’s best to water in the morning to prepare hydrangeas for the the heat of the day and to avoid disease.
- Add organic mulch underneath your hydrangeas to help keep the soil moist and cool, add nutrients over time, and improve soil texture.
Fertilizing
If your soil is rich, you may not need to fertilize hydrangeas. Too much fertilizer encourages leafy growth at the expense of blooms. The best way to determine your fertility needs is by using a soil test.
Apply fertilizer based on your specific hydrangeas. Each variety has different needs and will benefit from different application timing.
- Bigleaf hydrangeas can benefit from several light fertilizer applications in March, May and June.
- Oakleaf and panicle hydrangeas do best with two applications in April and June.
- Smooth hydrangea plants only need fertilization once, in late winter.
Winter protection
- In the fall, cover plants to a depth of at least 18 inches with bark mulch, leaves, pine needles, or straw in the fall. If at all possible, cover the entire plant, tip included, by making cages out of snow fencing or chicken wire, and loosely filling the cages with leaves. (Do not use maple leaves, as they tend to mat when wet and can suffocate the plant.)
How to Change the Color of Hydrangea Flowers
It is possible to change the flowers’ colors, but not instantly. Color correction takes weeks—even months. Wait until the plant is at least 2 years old to give it time to recover from the shock of its original planting. Also note that it’s easier to change blue flowers to pink than pink to blue.
It’s not every hydrangea that changes color. The color of some Bigleaf hydrangeas (H. macrophylla)—especially Mophead and Lacecap types—and H. serrata cultivars change color based on the soil pH.
Acidic soils with a pH of less than 5.5 produce blue flowers; soils with a pH greater than 5.5 produce pink flowers. White flowers are not affected by pH.
See How to Change the Color of Hydrangea Flowers for more information.
How to Prune a Hydrangea
Many of our readers’ questions involve pruning hydrangeas. And no wonder—it’s confusing, and all depends on the variety of hydrangea. Luckily, as long as you know which type you’ve got, it’s easy to figure out what sort of pruning technique to employ.
Learn the essentials below, then read more about how to prune hydrangea varieties here.
| Hydrangea Type |
When to Prune |
Where Flowers Appear |
|---|
| Bigleaf (H. macrophylla) |
Summer, after flowering |
On old growth |
| Oakleaf (H. quercifolia) |
Summer, after flowering |
On old growth |
| Panicle (H. paniculata) |
Late winter, before spring growth |
On new growth |
| Smooth (H. arborescens) |
Late winter, before spring growth |
On new growth |
| Mountain (H. serrata) |
Summer, after flowering |
On old growth |
| Climbing (H. anomala subsp. petiolaris) |
Summer, after flowering |
On old growth |
Pruning Common Hydrangeas
The most common garden hydrangea shrub is the Bigleaf variety, Hydrangea macrophylla. (See more below.)
Bigleaf (H. macrophylla), Oakleaf (H. quercifolia), Mountain (H. serrata), and Climbing hydrangeas (H. anomala subsp. petiolaris) are pruned AFTER the flowers fade in the summer. These varieties bloom on the previous season’s stems (“old wood”).
- Flower buds actually form in the late summer and flower afterwards the following season, so avoid pruning after August 1.
- Only cut away dead wood in the fall or very early spring.
- To prune, cut one or two of the oldest stems down to the base to encourage branching and fullness.
- If the plant is old, neglected, or damaged, prune all the stems down to the base. You’ll lose the flowers for the upcoming season, but also rejuvenate the plant for future years.
- It’s best not to deadhead (remove faded blooms) on the big Mopheads; leave them over the winter and cut them back in early spring (to the first healthy pair of buds). It’s fine to deadhead the Lacecaps; cut down to the second pair of leaves below the flower head.
- When growing H. macrophylla (and H. serrata) varieties in Zones 4 and 5, do not prune unless absolutely necessary, and then do so immediately after blooming. Otherwise, remove only dead stem in the spring.
Other Hydrangeas
Panicle (H. paniculata) and Smooth (H. arborescens) hydrangeas are pruned BEFORE flower buds are formed. These varieties bloom on the current season’s stems (“new wood”).
- Prune in the late winter when the plant is dormant. This means that if the buds are killed during the winter, the plant will produce new buds in the spring which will produce blooms.
- In general, prune only dead branches, and do not prune to “shape” the bush.
Read more about how to prune hydrangea types.
Reader Comments
Leave a Comment
No blooms
I have a Bobo hydrangea and Bloomstruck hydrangea, neither of which bloomed this year. The shrubs were healthy and vibrant, but out of 3 shrubs, no blooms! They are 3 years old. I live in zone 4b. I believe I pruned them in late fall last year certainly after the first frost. Could it be that I pruned them too early?
deer
I would like to plant some hydrangeas in my yard. Our town has an overpopulation of deer. Do deer eat hydrangeas? They seem to eat everything else. Thanks.
Deer and hydrangea
Well, deer will eat anything if they’re desparate enough. Let’s say, hydrangea is not their top choice or what we’d call “deer candy” such as hostas but they are “occasionally” damaged. Here is a list of the most deer-resistant plants: https://www.almanac.com/content/deer-resistant-plants
Hydrangea Plant
I have have a hydrangea plant that I suspect is a Nikko Blue Hydrangea by your description. It has beautiful huge flowers that are blue in color but are covered by huge leaves every year so you can't see the flowers unless you are right on top of the plant looking down. Would it hurt the plant if I cut back some of the leaves to expose the flowers? The plant is extremely healthy! I have another hydrangea plant that is covered with pink and blue blooms that everyone can see. These flowers are smaller than the other plant (but still large flowers) and is gorgeous but different variety than the one with the big leaves that hides the flowers. I hope you have a solution for me, I would love to have those huge flowers exposed for people to see. Thanks for any feedback, it would be greatly appreciated!
Trimming Leaves
Removing a few selected leaves won’t hurt a healthy plant. Feel free to prune off a couple leaves to expose the flowers—just don’t go overboard!
mophead hydrangea
I have a mophead hydrangea given to me in a pot for Mother's Day. There is healthy green growth emerging from the stems, but the original leaves have turned brown around their edges. Is it ok to just snip off the old leaves, or would this do harm to the plant?
Help! How to get rid of whatever is happening to my hydrangea
I have a relatively new hydrangea. Not sure which species, but it has spots on it or is being made something's dinner. I can try to do a picture if needed.
spots on the hydrangea
Take a couple of leaves to a local nursery and see if they can identify the problem. (We can not accept images here.)
Hydrangia
My hydrangia hasn’t bloomed in 5 yrs. I’ve watered it, fertilized it, taken off old brown stems, Left them there. someone told me never to take those off, the new bud is in there ???? I gotten advise to cut them down to 3” above the ground in the fall. Never did that. I’ve covered it with straw in the winter. We live in S/W PA. Help.
no blooms
There are numerous reasons why your plant might not be blooming. One that you have not mentioned: does it prefer sun? If so, is it now in shade (do to overgrowth, nearby construction, or taller new plantings casting shade)? Or vice versa?
We often recommend that folks contact their local cooperative extension and yours— Penn State—has a page on exactly this problem: https://extension.psu.edu/why-doesnt-my-hydrangea-bloom Master gardeners who serve in the coop extension usually welcome questions; you can probably reach out to this office.
We hope this helps!
Hydrangea
Our bush has grown to about 4&1/2 feet tall and has lush leaves BUT only 1 blossom. Last couple of years we were awash in flowers from this plant. Why would we have so few blooms this year. It gets morning sun and enough water.
White Snowball Hydrangea
Received a white snowball hydrangea for Mothers Day in gallon pot leaving it outside on patio. Now leaves are turning brown and curling up as well the blooms are turning brown. What should I be Doing?
what to do?
You should be reading the plant tag. Does the container indicate the source or plant “brand” (the wholesaler who potted and nurtured it)? If so, Google to see what it says about care. Or just Google “snowball hydrangea.” There are many hydrangea varieties and each has specific needs. Does the plant tag say it likes sun or shade? Did you water it? Gift plants are usually forced to flower…and once gifted left to fend for themselves. Do this and let us know what happens.
These little green buds
I have had my hydrangea plants for more than 5 years now.
When I bought them they had flowers on them. I cut them back in early spring every year and they grow back huge. BUT I have never had them flower since I planted them. They get so close every year as I get small green buds but nothing more than this (nothing resembling a flower).
I have read up on how to get them to flower but can’t find any information on anything like what my plants do.
They get full sun half the day and full shade the rest of the day.
Any thoughts would be so appreciated. Thank you!
why no flowers?
You indicate what they get in the way of sun and shade but is that what they need? Are you pruning them properly? It’s practically an art; see above. You might be cutting off the stems that hold the bloom. Have you ever added compost to the soil? Did you fertilize…with a balanced (e.g., 10-10-10) mix or one that’s high nitrogen (e.g., 20-10-10)? If so, you’re encouraging leaf over bloom. Use a low-nitrigen fert (that would be the first of the three N-P-K numbers cited here), if you use any. Did/do the plants experience a frost? That’ll spoil the flowers. One or a couple of these issues are your answer in all likelihood. Finally, ifyou know the type/name of your plant, you can look it up for more specific pertinent information.
Hydrangea macrophylla: Sterile flowers
Bred cultivars of H. macrophylla are sterile. Pity that the horticultural trade has shifted the balance to such an obscene degree. Despite their masses of giant pom-pom-like flowers, they offer little, if anything, for pollinators. I personally think, plant breeders have taken it a step too far!
Gone too far?
Interesting observation, thank you! It certainly seems like there are too many variations to keep track of!
Hydrangea Macrophyllia flowers are green?!
My hydrangea flower petals are green and don’t turn either blue or pink. What does that mean and how do I fix it? It had blue flowers when purchased. Thanks.
why green flowers?
Some sources suggest that this is due to the aluminium in your soil: a lot makes blue flowers, a little results in pink. It may also be due to the plants are not getting enough light; longer days encourage color and as the days shorten the blooms may return to green.Thee is nothing wrong. See how/if they change through the summer.
No flowers
Hello
I bought several years ago 4 beautiful big leaf hydrangea . They had flowers when i bought them but since then they have never flowered.
I have given them fertilizer, moved them spots but nothing works. I am just disappointed because my other hydrangea an annabelle is thriving at the same spot.
Please help me as i really don't want to pull them out. Thanks
Hyrdrangea Plants in South Florida
I received a blue potted hyrdrangea plant. Can this be planned in our climate? If so what specific care is needed. I just love these flowers.
Frost bitten hydrangea
I live in zone 5 and have 3 hydrangeas. They are about 3 years old. All three had new green shoots on them this Spring, then we had a late frost. 2 of the plants seemed to have gotten frozen as their green buds have turned brown. Will the plants survive? There is still a little green starting... but very sparse.
Hydrangea as a plant
I was given a Hydrangea as a plant. How do I prune the dead flowers off? Can I keep it as indoor plant? Thank you
new hydrangea
You can remove dead flowers (called “dead heading”) with scissors or a sharp knife. Hydrangeas are really outdoor plants and grow best in soil outside. Note that is this plant was one of many that was “forced” (made to bloom in a hothouse) for early spring flowers that appeal to us all this time of year, it might be challenged to survive under the best of conditions, indoors or outside. So if you can not plant it, enjoy it indoors for as long as you can.
Hydrangea
I was late getting cuttings of a hydrangea. They seem to root well but it is now Nov. 27 th. and they are still in their starter pots. They seem to be dying off. Should I have hardened them off sooner, meaning I should have rooted them earlier. I am in P.E.I. Canada, in a 5a zone. What can I do to save them or is it too late? Help!!!
Mop head hydrangeas
I have 3 and only one blooms. The 3 are all planted in the same area. They are all the same size and beautiful green plants. Why don’t the other two flower.?
Blooming hydrangeas
I have four plants which were planted from Easter flowers. They grow back every year (three years) but I only get one or two flowers on two of the plants. ( zone 5). The others have not bloomed. How can I get more flowers and on all the plants?
What to do
I have a beautiful pink hydrangea that I bought a couple of years ago. I planted it next to a white hydrangea that blooms profusely every spring but the pink one has only ever produced one head. It otherwise is doing very well. What am I doing wrong? I don't know whether to cut it back or leave it alone. Unfortunately, I lost the card that came with it telling what kind of hydrangea it is.
Growing hydrangeas
Can hydrangeas be grown in pots and brought inside during winter. I live in southern New Jersey.
potted hydrangeas
We tend to plant potted hydrangea in the garden as they prefer to be in the ground but you could grow indoors with the right steps. Pinch back the shoots no later than July. Keep the pots outdoors as long as possible in the fall, but bring indoors before a hard freeze. Allow the plant to retain its leaves until about November 1st. Then, pick off all the leaves by hand or put the plant in total darkness until all leaves drop naturally. The leafless plant must be vernalized (exposed to cool temperatures) in order to induce subsequent flowering. This involves keeping it at temperatures from 35 to 40 degrees F for about six weeks. During this time, the plant can be kept dry since it has no leaves. After the cooling period, move the plant to a sunny, cool room, with night temperatures of 55 to 60 degrees F. Water it well and fertilize about every two weeks. It should flower in about four months.
If you wish, you could then plant potted hydrangeas in the garden for years of enjoyment. Wait until the danger of frost has past and make sure to water the plant regularly until it is established in the garden.
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