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
Hydrangea Not Blooming
Hi Janice,
The most common reason hydrangeas are not blooming is due to improper pruning. Go here for pruning guidance: http://www.almanac.com/blog/gardening/gardening/how-prune-hydrangea-varieties
Hydrangea
These are bushes that I asked about.The ones with the large cone shape
Hydrangea
I bought 2 hydrangea plants 2 weeks ago from the nursery. They are very well established,about 3-4 ft tall each. We brought them home and planted them both,exactly how you described above. We watered well.The one was doing great ,but the other ,the leaves swrivelled right away.We still watered, Within a week,the second one has done the same thing. Now both are brown leaves,brown stems.They look dead. They cost me a fortune,and I love these plants. What should I do? Are they dead? and why? They are facing east,get lots of sun in the first half of the day. Lots of water, Should I cut them down and see if they start back? or dig them out and take back to the nursery?
They say I have a 1 yr guarantee. Should I let them go through the winter?
Pruning young Hydrangea PG
Hi, I have a young 2 1/2 year old Hydrangea Paniculata Grandiflora grown from cutting, it is about 2' tall and wide. The growth is quite bushy but individual branches are thin and spindly.
Would you recommend to do some pruning of this plant next Spring?
Pruning Hydrangea Paniculata
Hi Marina,
This species of hydrangea is known to have weak stems and branches. Because it blooms on the current year’s wood, it would behoove you to do some light pruning in the early spring–that will help to encourage bloom. Think about structure as you prune–you want to create a solid framework to support new growth and flowers.
is it still alive?
I got a hydrangea (white) that I was to plan this summer and forgot about planting it. It has been on my deck in a container and I did water it occasionally. I noticed that it has dried up, but I knicked the actual stem part and its still green under it, still alive I hope? Is this trash bound or should I plant it today? I am in Minnesota, Mpls area.
Dead looking plant with some green
Keep it a friend of mine threw away potted dead hydrangea plants or so we thought and my Mom said plant them they will come back. I thought she was crazy. I planted them in the fall out side and in the spring they were beautiful.
Leggy Hydrangea
Bought a common hydrangea as a very small root. Grown about 2/3 foot tall. Single stem and no bloom. Should I cut it back and if so by how much?
white hydrangea
I find your website very interesting and helpful.
I bought a white hydrangea, it was growing well and started to bloom then the whole plant dried up and die. I don't what why. I was watering it regularly and feeding it too. What do you suggest.
Hydrangea Sudden Death
Hi Medha,
I suspect your hydrangea was exposed to some kind of soil-borne disease, such as Phytophthora root rot. It is important to test your soil before replanting, as many plants succumb to that disease. If it is in the soil, the soil should be replaced before you plant anything.
hydrangea vs maple leaf
I read on your Web site that you don't recommend Maple leaf for mulch or Winter protection. Could you tell me the reason why not because I do this every year. I put around 3 inches of shredded Maple leaves around my hydrangea each year. Thanks in advance for your reply.
Maple Leaves as Mulch
Hi Michel - I just wondered if you ever received an answer to your question. I have the same one. I have a red maple that, of course, looses it's leaves right along with my oaks, so I would like to know the answer too. I am getting ready, next weekend, to plant 4 hydrangeas. I hope you get this message before then, if not, I'll be checking elsewhere for the answer.
Thanks, Diane
Maple leaves
The reason we say to avoid maple leaves is because they tend to be very large, flat, and mat together (especially the Norway and Sugar maple leaves). This doesn’t allow enough air circulation. It’s best to use oak or other leaves. If you do have a lot of maple leaves, just be sure to mix with a lot of other types of leaves and pine needles.
Blooming
One of my hydrangeas, planted 2 years ago is green and healthy, but doesn't bloom, even though I've fertilized. It gets some morning sun. Does it need more sun? It's the big, blue bloom type.
M. Richardson
blooms
I planted a hydrangea 4 years ago. The first year yielded 7-8 bloom.s The next year only 2 blooms. The last 2 summers there have been no blooms but the bush has very healthy, vibrant green foliage and has grown much larger. I would appreciate any suggestions on getting this bush to bloom
Hydrangea Blooms
The blooming of hydrangeas is affected by how they have been pruned, which depends on the type of hydrangea. Some bloom on second-year wood, others on the current year’s growth. Not knowing the type you have or how it has been pruned, I can’t say for sure why it isn’t blooming. Try fertilizing and determine its pruning requirements–the answer could lie there.
Need help with water-logged hydrangea
I transplanted my hydrangea into a larger pot and gave it plenty of water, when it started to rain and hasn't stopped for a couple of weeks.. I noticed the plant wasn't looking well and noticed about 3'' of water in the pot because of poor drainage. I drilled more holes to allow more water to escape but the dirt around the plant is soaking wet, and it looks the leaves and flowers are getting brown. it looks like its on it's last legs, is there anything I can do to save it? It was absolutely gorgeous!!
?transplant shock?
My hydrangea's leaves are beautiful but all the blooms have turned from a lovely pink to light green then brown. I transplanted it from it's original container to a larger one, then into the ground. I have watered well and gently fertilized. It is in a moderately sunny location with good soil. I hope this is just transplant shock, but I'm concerned that I've done it real harm. Help please!
Hydrangea re-potting
I have several Hydrangeas' that need re-potting. Should I do it now before the winter, or wait until the spring? The plants are on a roof garden in the Torquay area.
A reply would be appreciated. Thank you.
Repotting Hydrangeas
Hi Ann,
Either time would be fine. If you do it now, be sure to provide ample water.
vanilla strawberry hydranga
I have purchased some seeds and am not sure when I can start planting them? Should I start them in my house?
New probagation of hydrangea plant
I have just read on FB how to probagate the hydrangea plant, so have done so. I am wanting to know (a) do I put them in my garage over the winter or do I put them in the ground after the roots have started and protect the plant? I live in southern Kansas and the ground freezes.
Hydrangea bush
Hydrangea bush
I have 5of them I transplanted last fall and they grew well and only had one flower and this summer they have no flowers but the plant is beautiful! What am I doing wrong
hydrangea blooms
I have mopheads that growing on both old and new wood is that possible. I had beautiful flowers for the first couple of years but now only the city line hydrangeas are blooming. I have fertilized the plants, covered them over winter, I did not prune them in fear of cutting the buds. They are in full sun and some in part sun. I have no idea why they won't bloom. I have a lot of plants and they were expensive. The plants are about 8 years old.
Hydrangea
I have several large hydrangea plants close together, they are quite tall and some are falling over...do I stake them? How do I prevent this?
Hydrangeas Need Pruning
It sounds like your shrubs could stand to be pruned (a little on the hard side) after the blooming season. A combination thinning and heading cuts will keep them from getting tall and floppy. In the meantime, you could use twine to loosely tie them up.
HYDRANGEA
Can I plant it in the garden it's in a pot but I'm afraid if it stays in the pot it may become pot bound thanks
Nicco Blue
My hydrangeas are 15 yrs old
For the last two years they bloom less
This year hardy plant almost no flowers
Please advise
White mop head hydrangeas
My white mop head hydrangeas start out white in the spring but turn green by the end of June. How do I keep the heads white?
Hydrangea
My son bought me a hydrangea for Mother's Day about three years ago.I planted it outside and it didnt do anything till last year and it came back but not very tall (4 to 5 inches).This year it it's doing better (1'1/2 tall) but not much of anything else.Will it ever bloom? Thank you for your time.
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