Hydrangea Care Guide: Expert tips for growing confidently

Photos by Doreen Wynja

With their showy flowers, lush foliage, and striking color choices. It's no wonder that hydrangeas are favorites of gardeners across the country (and across the pond). But we've found that many gardeners feel stumped when it comes to how to best care for their hydrangeas. For some, hydrangeas have gotten a bad reputation for being fussy. If you choose a hardy, reliable variety and plant it in the right spot, you'll find growing hydrangeas is easy. (We list the best easy-care hydrangeas at the bottom of the story).

Gardening is much more fun and relaxing when you feel confident in your approach. Of course when you get to enjoy your beautiful results. So, we're delivering a clear how-to guide for hydrangea care to help you do just that.

1. Planting

2. Pruning

3. Fertilizing

4. Watering

5. Changing flower color

6. Other common care questions

7. Best easy-care hydrangeas

Whether it's planting, pruning, watering, or fertilizing hydrangeas. Get all the information you need for growing hydrangeas confidently from this guide. Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments, or tag us on social media @MonroviaPlants.

1. Planting Hydrangeas

planting pink and white hydrangeas with shovel in the middle

When is the best time to plant hydrangeas?

If we had to pick, we'd say fall is the best time to plant hydrangeas. Planting in fall gives ample time to develop a healthy root system. (Before the burst of growth that will come in spring.) The longer and colder your winter, the earlier in fall you'll want to plant. Just remember to water your new plant through the fall and in the winter. This is if you live in a climate where this time of year is dry.

However, early spring is a good time to plant hydrangeas, as well. Your main goal when you're planting them is to avoid planting in the heat of the summer. Or, during the hottest time of day.

Where should you plant hydrangeas?

Most hydrangeas thrive in partial shade or sun. They especially like morning sun and afternoon shade, as the afternoon sun can be too harsh for them. Afternoon shade is essential in hot, dry climates. Hydrangeas make fantastic foundation plants not only because they look striking against the house. They also because they love the partial sun and shelter that the walls and eaves of a house offer.

How do you prepare the soil for planting hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas prefer well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. So, preparing the soil is an important step when you're planting hydrangeas. Mixing a healthy amount of compost into your soil is a great way to create the rich soil they love. You can also mix in a balanced fertilizer to get the plant off to a great start. If you're trying to turn your hydrangeas a certain color, this is the time to add the appropriate soil amendment.

After you plant the hydrangea into the amended soil, be sure to add a thick layer of mulch. This will prevent weeds and maintain soil moisture. Then, give the plant a deep watering right after planting. Then again once or twice a week to keep the soil moist but not soggy (see watering tips below).

2. Deadheading and Pruning Hydrangeas

Should I cut off dead hydrangea blooms (deadhead)?

Yes (but you don't have to). The most common form that your snipping will take when it comes to caring for your hydrangeas is deadheading. This is not technically "pruning." Deadheading your hydrangea can increase bloom and help keep your hydrangeas looking neat. However, you also don't have to deadhead in order to keep your plant healthy. Some gardeners like to leave the spent flowers on their hydrangeas for seasonal interest. If you do choose to deadhead, remember to leave the flowers on as long as possible. This is because many will change color as they age.

How to deadhead your hydrangeas

Deadhead your hydrangea by cutting right above the set of leaves just below the spent flower. Avoid cutting below the first set of leaves; you don't want to accidentally cut off emerging buds.

If you find stems with no new leaves on them, go ahead and cut them down to the new growth. Or, at the base in order to give room for healthier growth. Allow the plant to put energy into that new growth.

Do hydrangeas need to be cut back every year?

No. Many hydrangeas don't need to be pruned often, or even at all. Unless you need to prune for shape and size or general health of a mature plant, you can skip pruning. Cutting out dead growth is important, as it keeps the plant healthy. It increasing airflow and allows the plant to focus energy on creating lush new growth and beautiful flowers. Compact, easy-care varieties like those featured in #7 below will rarely need to be pruned. Only if planted in a place where they get the right amount of sun, water, and space to grow.

If you decide that you'd like to prune your hydrangea, you should know this. Different hydrangea types need to be pruned at different times of the year. For more information, check out our in-depth guide to how and when to prune hydrangeas.

Still intimidated by pruning your hydrangea? Here’s an easy option: Don’t prune until the buds of your hydrangea start to swell in spring. Then just cut off anything above the healthiest buds at the top. Or you can snip just above healthy buds further down if you'd like to reduce the size of the plant. This technique will keep you from accidentally cutting off all of next spring's growth.

Do hydrangeas need to be cut back for winter?

No. Hydrangeas don't need to be cut back for winter. In fact, we recommend leaving them untouched for visual interest through the season. However, there are some hydrangea types that can be pruned in early fall. Also some that should be left until late winter or early spring.

The general rule is that if you have hydrangeas that form flowers on old wood (like Hydrangea macrophylla a.k.a. "Mophead" hydrangeas including reblooming hydrangeas that flower on both new and old wood). You can prune them in early fall after they are done flowering. Hydrangeas that bloom on new wood (like Hydrangea paniculata a.k.a. Panicle hydrangeas) should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Our guide to how and when to prune hydrangeas goes into detail about when to prune different hydrangea types.

Get more in-depth information about preparing your hydrangeas for winter here. You'll notice that preparing your hydrangeas for winter typically does not include pruning them.

3. Fertilizing Hydrangeas

white pink and purple hydrangeas that have been fertilized

When is the best time to fertilize hydrangeas?

Different hydrangeas have different needs when it comes to fertilizer. A good "rule of thumb" fertilizer suggestion for all hydrangeas is this. Fertilize them with a well-balanced fertilizer in early spring. Adding a layer of compost and mulch will benefit your soil health, and in turn, your hydrangeas.

If you plant a hardy, compact, and improved hydrangea variety like the Seaside Serenade® hydrangeas (pictured here). Fertilizer timing and amount aren't all that important. They'll thrive with very little care as long as they're planted in rich soil, partial sun, and get enough water.

On the other hand, if you want to fertilize your hydrangeas more than once a season, follow these general guidelines. This is based on the hydrangea type you're growing:

- Smooth hydrangea varieties (H. arborescens) only need one fertilizer application in late winter or early spring.
- Oakleaf and panicle hydrangeas (H. quercifolia & H. paniculata) do well being fed twice in the season. Once in spring, and once in early summer.
- Bigleaf or "Mophead" hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) like to be fertilized little and often. Fertilize with small amounts three times throughout your growing season, starting in early spring.

What kind of fertilizer is best for hydrangeas?

The type of fertilizer that's best for you will largely depend on the soil your hydrangeas are growing in. So, the answer to this can vary depending on your region and soil conditions. It also depends on what's available at your local garden center. However, in general, a well-balanced fertilizer is the best way to go. Don't use fertilizers that are high in nitrogen, as that can lead to fewer blooms.

4. Watering Hydrangeas

How and when to water hydrangeas

Water your hydrangeas in the morning before the heat of the sun is strong enough to quickly evaporate soil moisture. Try to avoid watering at night, which can encourage mold and mildew as the moisture sits through the cool night. Water your hydrangeas through the growing season as well as in late fall. You should also water them occasionally if you have a warm, dry winter.

Water your plants at the base, around the root zone, to avoid wasting water and getting the foliage wet.

How much water do hydrangeas need?

Deep weekly watering is usually enough (if you don't get enough rain). Although you may need to water more often in hot, dry weather. Water hydrangeas deeply and regularly in the first growing season to encourage an extensive root system. After the plant is established, water when the first inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Can hydrangeas be watered too much?

Yes. Hydrangeas can be overwatered, and they don't do well in soggy soils. That's why it's a good idea to test the soil with your finger before providing supplemental irrigation.

5. Changing Hydrangea Flower Color

The science of changing hydrangea color comes down to soil pH. So, in order to change the color of your hydrangea flowers, do this. The first thing is to get a soil test to see where your soil lands on the pH spectrum. Then, based on your soil pH and your desired flower color, follow the steps below.

Soil pH and resulting hydrangea color

5.0-5.5 (acidic) soil pH: Blue
6.0-6.5+ (neutral-alkaline) soil pH: purple to pink

Keep in mind that color changes largely depend on the cultivar and can take weeks or months to change. Some cultivars change more easily than others, and some don't change at all (more info on that below). Monrovia hydrangeas will say in the description if the color varies depending on soil pH.

Do all hydrangea flowers change color based on soil pH?

No. White-flowered hydrangeas are not typically affected by soil pH. There are also some hydrangea varieties that maintain their flower color no matter the soil pH. This includes Fire Island, Cape Hatteras, and Martha's Vineyard in the Seaside Serenade® collection (see them all below).

How to turn your hydrangeas blue

If your soil pH is 6.0-6.5, try adding the following amendments when planting a new hydrangea. Or, in early spring to create more acidic soil:

Aluminum sulfate (according to package directions)
Peat moss
Coffee grounds

Then, mix and water them into the soil.

How to turn your hydrangeas pink or purple

If your soil is acidic (5.0-5.5) and you prefer pink or purple blooms to blue. Try adding garden lime to your soil. Hydrangea blooms will be pink or purple with a soil pH of 6.0-6.5.

6. Other Common Hydrangea Care Questions

Do hydrangeas like sun or shade?

Hydrangeas like both sun and shade. There are a wide variety of hydrangeas with different sun exposure needs. Exposure needs can vary depending on your region and climate. However, most hydrangeas will be happy with morning sun and afternoon shade. Some hydrangeas will do well in "filtered shade," but complete shade is often not ideal for hydrangeas. They need energy from the sun to produce those amazing blooms!

The key is to check the "Light Needs" specification when searching for the next hydrangea that you bring home. On Monrovia's site, you'll find this information right below the plant description and USDA Zone.

Why isn't my hydrangea blooming?

If your hydrangea isn't blooming, consider the below possibilities. See if you can remedy the situation to encourage more blooms next season. Many of these questions are a reflection of the care tips outlined above.

Sunlight: Are your plants getting the right amount of sun? Most need at least partial sun with morning sun and afternoon shade. Some hydrangeas do well in full sun. Although most won't bloom as heavily or at all if they're living in full shade.

Water: Is your hydrangea getting enough or too much water? Overwatering and underwatering can lead to a lack of blooms. Remember to test the soil with your finger before you water. Don't water if it still feels moist. Give a deep watering if it feels dry.

Soil nutrients: Does your soil have too much nitrogen? A sure sign of too much nitrogen is if you have a lush, bushy plant with no blooms. Lawn fertilizer can often cause high nitrogen in garden beds. So, check to see if any lawn fertilizer is getting into your hydrangea's soil. You can test your soil to know for sure.

Pruning: Did you prune too much or prune at the wrong time? Over-pruning and pruning in spring can cause your hydrangea to skip its bloom. Pruning in spring can cut off new buds. Pruning too far down the stem or taking out too many stems can cut out the wood. This is where new buds would form.

Weather: Did you have a cold snap? Late freezes can damage new buds and can be the culprit of missing spring flowers.

How do I care for my potted hydrangea?

Compact hydrangeas like those in the Seaside Serenade® collection are gorgeous container specimens. They also resist wilting, so are your best bet for spectacular, easy-care hydrangeas for your large containers. Typically, potted hydrangeas require a touch more shade, especially from the hot afternoon sun. You will also need to water them more than your hydrangeas in the ground. This is because the soil in a container dries out more quickly. Otherwise, follow the same guidelines for care as you do for your plants in the ground.

7. The Best Easy-Care Hydrangeas: Seaside Serenade Hydrangea Collection
Zones 4-9

Seaside Serenade® is a spectacular collection of hydrangeas that are exclusive to Monrovia. They differ in bloom type (lacecap and mophead) and color (white, blue, pink, purple, and even ruby red). However, they all have several outstanding attributes in common.

Their thick foliage is durable and vibrant, adding to their hardy nature. Sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make these hydrangeas superior cut flowers. Like other hydrangeas, the color of some Seaside Serenade Hydrangeas can vary depending on the soil. They are also disease-resistant and scorch-resistant on hot summer days. You can find the full collection below. Which is your favorite?