Tips to Help You Care for Your New Hydrangeas

There is so much to love about beautiful, colorful hydrangeas! If you’ve decided to add the hydrangea plant to your landscaping, here are some handy tips to consider:

Overall, hydrangeas enjoy a sunny morning and a shady afternoon, with some that also do well in partial shady locations. When purchasing your hydrangea, ask a member of the Joe’s Market Basket team for a recommendation on the best plant for your particular spot.

Hydration is key! It’s best to keep your hydrangeas hydrated the first two years after being planted. Don’t over-do it...plants being grown outdoors as shrubs and garden plants don’t need as much attention to watering. Moist, well-drained soil is best.

Depending on your planting zone, don’t prune until after blooming.

If you have an older hydrangea, remove dead stems in the spring. Ask a team member at Joe’s Market Basket the best pruning tips for your particular variety. Also, keep in mind that if you prune before the bloom in the fall, you may not have blossoms the following spring.

Oakleaf, panicle and smooth hydrangeas blossom on the current seasons’ wood which means it’s best to prune them before bloom and while the plant is dormant.

In the fall, cover your outdoor plants to a depth of at least 18 inches with a protectant like bark mulch, leaves, pine needles or straw.

If you have deer that are often spotted in your backyard, you may want to reconsider planting hydrangea. It’s one of their favorite tasty treats!

Pests that may hamper your hydrangea flourishing include slugs, gray mold, powdery mildew and rust. Notice any of these pests harming your hydrangea? Give Market Basket a call and we can help determine the next best steps!