Curious about the best way to care for your hydrangeas? Our Cincinnati hydrangea experts share essential tips on growing over 30 hydrangea varieties, from sunlight needs to color care.

Hydrangea Care Guide

Sunlight Requirements

Hydrangeas thrive in the morning sun and afternoon shade or filtered sunlight, promoting optimal flowering. Some types can also tolerate full sun.

Planting Hydrangeas

When planting hydrangeas, use the native soil with light amendments like compost or pine soil conditioner. Always add mulch over the root zone to keep roots cool, preserve moisture, and enrich the soil with organic matter.

Watering Tips

Hydrangeas prefer well-drained, loamy soil with consistent moisture. Tip: Avoid overwatering, as too much water can harm the roots.

Fertilizing Hydrangeas

A balanced fertilizer in mid-to-late spring or a slow-release option like Osmocote works well for hydrangeas. If needed, adjust the soil pH with additives like aluminum sulfate. A light fall feeding after the leaves drop is also beneficial, but avoid overfeeding.

Transplanting Hydrangeas

Transplant hydrangeas during the dormant season, ideally in late fall or early spring. With proper care, new plantings can be made throughout the growing season.

What Affects Hydrangea Flower Color?

The color intensity of hydrangea blooms varies by species, climate, and soil pH:

• Pink Blooms: Found in alkaline soils.
• Blue Blooms: They are found in acidic soils. To achieve blue flowers, lower the soil pH with aluminum sulfate, coffee grounds, or Holly-tone. For pink, add lime around the plant to increase alkalinity.

Note: When using aluminum sulfate, water the soil first and apply it sparingly in several small doses.

Dealing with Wilting Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas may wilt on hot days, especially younger plants. If the plant recovers by morning or late evening, it likely cannot absorb enough water to replace daytime loss. This should improve as the season progresses. Ensure soil has even moisture, but avoid overwatering.

Click Here to Learn How to Prune Hydrangeas!

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