12 Care Tips For Pretty Hydrangeas

Plant Life CJ B / 500px/500Px Plus/Getty Images Tricks to help them grow outdoors or just look fresh in a vase. by Ashley Jones Aug. 26, 2022

Shutterstock The best time to plant hydrangeas is in the late spring or early fall when the weather is mild. Plant them at least six weeks ahead of the first expected cold snap in the fall or once the threat of cold weather has passed completely in late spring.

The best place to plant hydrangeas is in an area that is partially sheltered with sun in the mornings and shade in the afternoon, usually near the side of your home or near a fence, not too close to other shrubs or trees. Jon Lovette/Photographer's Choice RF/Getty Images

If you’re not starting your hydrangeas from seeds, choose starter plants with a healthy root system . Roots that are white with light brown tips will give you the best chance at healthy growth. Shutterstock

Water hydrangea shrubs consistently grow at a rate of about 1 inch per week. Water in the mornings , adding water directly to the soil, and avoid wetting the flowers or leaves. James Baigrie/Photodisc/Getty Images

Shutterstock Hydrangeas need plenty of water, but these flowers don’t thrive in soggy soil. Add organic compost matter to your soil to help hold water and hydrate your blooms without overwhelming the plant.

Shutterstock The best time to prune your hydrangeas is in the late winter or early spring once the seed heads have dried and new green buds start to appear. Each variety has different pruning methods that work best, but just removing dead wood is usually sufficient.

The best way to cut hydrangea blooms is to use a sharp floral knife or shears and cut the stem at a 45-degree angle . For the best results, do this in the morning. Shutterstock

Whether you buy hydrangeas in a store or cut them off a shrub, clip the leaves away before you arrange them in a vase. This helps ensure that the flower itself gets the water and not the leaves. Judy Davidson/Moment/Getty Images

Shutterstock To keep hydrangea arrangements looking fresher longer, keep them out of direct sunlight. Change the water and snip the stems daily . Use cool water and add flower food or cane sugar to the vase for nourishment.

Dip the stems of your cut hydrangeas in alum powder (in the spice aisle at the grocery store) or in boiling water for 10 seconds to seal off the sap-producing bottom of the stem so the flower can soak up water. Photography by Angela - TGTG/Moment/Getty Images

To revive wilted hydrangeas, soak them in a bowl of cool water for 45 minutes . Then, remove, shake excess water off, and snip the stem before arranging in a vase with fresh water and flower food. YONCA60/Moment/Getty Images

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