Hydrangeas are one of those shrubs that instantly make a garden feel full of life. With their large, generous blooms and long flowering season, they have the ability to transform borders and pots with very little fuss. While they are relatively easy to grow, getting the best from them comes down to understanding a few key care principles.
Here are some top tips for growing healthy hydrangeas.
Types of Hydrangeas
Before diving into caring for hydrangeas it is important to know what type you are growing, as this affects how and when you prune.
Hydrangea Macrophylla (Mophead & Lacecap)
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Most common garden hydrangea in the UK
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Large rounded or lacecap flower heads
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Includes many colour-changing varieties depending on soil PH
Hydrangea Paniculata
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Cone-shaped flower heads
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Flowers open white and often turn pink
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Blooms on new wood (current season’s growth)
Hydrangea arborescens
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Large, rounded white flowers
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Very reliable and easy to grow
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Also flowers on new wood
Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf hydrangea)
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Distinctive oak shaped leaves
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Strong autumn colour
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Requires only minimal pruning
How to Look After Hydrangeas
What are the best Soil conditions for hydrangeas?
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Moist but well drained soil
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Rich, organic matter
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A soil that does not dry out too quickly
Hydrangeas benefit from soil that retains moisture well, especially in summer and responds well to mulching to improve soil conditions.
At planting time, improving the soil with a good peat-free compost is one of the simplest ways to help hydrangeas establish.
What are the best Light Conditions?
Hydrangeas generally prefer:
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Partial shade or dappled sunlight
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Protection from harsh afternoon sun
How do you space Hydrangeas when planting?
Hydrangeas are naturally bushy shrubs, so they need room to develop:
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Around 1-2 metres spacing depending on the variety
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Good airflow around the plant
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Avoid tight, dry corners or exposed windy spots
Planting hydrangeas in the ground vs containers
Getting the planting right from the start will help your hydrangea establish quickly and avoid common problems later on.
Can you plant hydrangeas in the ground?
When planting in the ground:
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Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and at least twice as wide.
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Gently loosen the roots before planting
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Position the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with or very slightly above the surrounding soil.
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Backfill with soil and firm gently
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Water thoroughly after planting
Can you plant hydrangeas in pots?
Hydrangeas grow very well in pots and are a great option for patios, balconies or smaller gardens
When planting hydrangeas in pots:
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Choose a large pot with good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging
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Use high-quality peat free compost, as this will help retain moisture while still allowing excess water to drain away
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Keep the compost consistently moist, as pots dry out much faster than garden soil
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Refresh the compost each year (or top it up) to maintain nutrients
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Be prepared to water more frequently, especially during warm or dry weather.
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Hydrangeas in pots may also benefit from occasional feeding during the growing season as nutrients are used up more quickly in containers.
For both methods, a quality compost is essential for moisture retention and nutrient supply.
How to care for hydrangeas throughout the year
How often do hydrangeas need watering?
Hydrangeas prefer consistently moist soil:
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Water deeply rather than little and often
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Increase watering during dry spells
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Container plants dry out much faster than garden plants
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Dry soil can quickly lead to wilting, especially in summer.
How often do I need to feed hydrangeas?
Hydrangeas are not heavy feeders, but they do benefit from:
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Fresh compost in spring
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Occasional summer feeding for container plants
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Avoiding overfeeding with high nitrogen fertilisers
Why do hydrangea flowers change colour? (Macropylla only)
Hydrangea macrophylla changes colour because soil pH affects how the plant absorbs minerals. Acidic soil makes flowers blue, while alkaline soil makes them pink.
Pruning hydrangeas
When should hydrangeas be pruned?
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It is best to prune macrophylla and quercifolia lightly in late winter or early spring or after flowering.
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Paniculata and arborescens are best pruned in early spring.
How do you prune hydrangeas?
To prune Hydrangea macrophylla
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Remove dead flowers in early spring
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Cut back to just above a healthy pair of buds
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Avoid harsh pruning since flowers form on old stems
To prune Hydrangea paniculata and arborescens
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Can be pruned more heavily
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Cut back last years growth to a framework of stems
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Encourages stronger stems and larger flowers
What Tools do you need for pruning?
It is best to use clean, sharp tools to prune your hydrangeas as this can make a big difference to plant health. We recommend the Professional L.H.Pruner.
Hydrangea FAQ
Why isn't my hydrangea flowering?
Common causes include:
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Pruning at the wrong time
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Frost damage to buds
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Too much shade
Can hydrangeas grow in shade?
Yes, most prefer partial shade rather than full sun.
Can I grow hydrangeas in pots permanently?
Yes, but they require:
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Regular watering
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Annual compost replacement
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Occasional feeding
Do hydrangeas need pruning every year?
Not always, some varieties (especially macrophylla) only need light pruning while others benefit from annual cutting back.
Hydrangeas are one of the most rewarding shrubs you can grow, especially when you understand the simple differences between varieties. Most problems come down to just three things: wrong pruning, poor watering or unsuitable soil conditions.
Get those right and hydrangeas will reward you with bold, beautiful flowers every summer.
For planting, feeding and maintaining healthy shrubs, Almondsbury Garden Centre offers a range of hydrangeas, composts, and essential gardening tools to help you get the best results in your garden.