Many times we’ve tried, and many times we’ve failed when it comes to planting and caring for hydrangeas. But when done just right, these fluffy blossoms look simply stunning outdoors, as well as indoors proudly placed in a vase for decoration. When taken care of just right, like any diva, these florals will put on quite a show. Here are a few tips and tricks we’ve learned along the way to help you out if you’ve found these flowers to be quite finicky.
(image via: istock)
Hydrangeas LOVE Nutrient-Rich Soil
Before planting your hydrangeas mix some organic matter into the soil and watch your flowers be brighter and more vibrant than you imagined!
Sun, Sun, Sun, Here it Comes
This is where a lot of people mess up, hydrangeas like morning sunshine and afternoon shade, and while you may think the amount of sunshine won’t matter too much, it matters to hydrangeas. Too much sun and you’ll have scorched petals. So before you plant, make sure there’s a spot with this particular sunshine pattern where your hydrangeas can call home. And if you have a spot in mind, but it does get a little afternoon sun, make sure it’s only partial!
No Crowding Necessary
We get it, we LOVE the look of a full flower garden full of hydrangeas, but this has to happen naturally. Hydrangeas love their space and when you’re planting several at a time, separate plants should be three feet apart.
Big Stretch
(image via: istock)
Another thing hydrangeas are picky about is how much space you give the roots to stretch outward. A good rule of thumb is that the hole should be 3-4 times the width of the root ball so the roots can grow outward and get as much nutrients as they need.
They’ll Just Have Water
Remember when we told you hydrangeas require organic matter in their soil? Well, we forgot to mention that they don’t need fertilizer. Fertilizer can actually encourage leaves to grow at the expense of your blooms. Hydrangeas do require a fair amount of water though, roughly 1 inch per week applied directly to the base.
The Spring (or Fall) Time is the Right Time
To plant your hydrangeas! These flowers are set up for success when planted in the cooler months versus the dog days of summer.
Pruning Time
Pruning your flower is important and this should be done in the late fall, once bloom season is over. You’ll simply want to cut your stems down 4-5 inches at an angle. If you find that your plant is getting older and looking skinny, you may opt to trim the plant all the way back in preparation for the coming year.