Hydrangeas

Lovely Hydrangeas

Some Basic Questions

Where to Plant

They do best in moist, free-draining soil and dappled shade. Most prefer a partial sun location where ideally they receive sun in the morning hours and shade in the afternoon. Some other types prefer part shade. Avoid planting in south-facing positions, especially if the soil is very dry.

Do They Come Back Every Year?

In growing zones 3 to 9, they are a low-maintenance and with proper care, will return year after year. They average about 2′ of growth per year with larger varieties reaching up to 15′ tall.

Cutting Off Dead Blooms

This process is called deadheading. Understand that you are not harming the plants. Removing the spent blooms will trigger them to stop producing seeds and instead put their energy toward root and foliage development.

Rejuvenating Hydrangeas

Remove up to 1/3 of the older living stems down to the ground each summer will revitalize the plant. To control the size of the plant, cut it back before late July which allows for buds to develop. Usually it will return immediately to its former size.

What If You Don’t Prune?

If you don’t prune them they can eventually resemble a mass of woody stems and the flowers will become smaller and less showy. Regular pruning helps to maintain their shape and encourages new growth for a better display of blooms.

Will They Spread?

When planted in the shade they tend to grow a little larger and spread a little more. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the width of the container it came in.