Hydrangeas are known to be summer showstoppers and with some springtime love and maintenance you can help them earn that prized badge of honor. Taking the time and energy during spring to care for your hydrangeas will pay off with lush summer blooms. How can you provide the care that they need?

Take the time to fertilize!
Hydrangeas benefit from some simple fertilizing. You should plan to apply the first dose once the new growths start to emerge in spring. A product specific to acid-loving plants or even just an all-purpose fertilizer is what your hydrangea needs. The fertilizer should be placed evenly around the drip edge of the plant and then water thoroughly.

Take the time to prune!
Not all hydrangeas need to be pruned during the spring months. If you have oakleaf or mophead hydrangeas, you can skip this spring step. Panicle and smooth types of hydrangeas should be pruned in early spring to help them produce fuller and healthier shrubs. You will want to prune smooth types to just one foot above the ground. If you have panicle types you should prune up to one-half of their total-growth, right above a pair of buds.

Take the time to transplant!
Look at your hydrangea shrubs and determine if it’s time for them to make a move. If your hydrangea has outgrown its location or is getting too much sun it may be time for a change. Sometimes the hydrangea plant can seem too big or annoying to move. You can prune it back a little to make it easier to move. Take the time to amend the soil in the new planting area and water thoroughly after planting and until the roots are happy in their new home.

Take the time to add mulch!
Mulching is a great way to help your hydrangea retain moisture, reduce weeds, and provide a fresh and clean look for your garden bed. Once the leaf buds begin to open apply a 2” layer of mulch. You can use shredded mulches, pine needles, compost, pine bark or whichever is the best choice for your area.

Take the time to choose your color!
Did you know that you can change the color of your hydrangeas? Mophead and Lacecap varieties can be altered by adding either aluminum sulfate or lime to your soil. You would want to apply the correct amendment right after the new growth has emerged in early spring and repeat it 1-2 months later. Soil acidifiers, such as aluminum sulfate, will turn pink hydrangeas more purple and darken blue hydrangeas. Lime can lighten blue hydrangeas to pink.

Hydrangeas are a beautiful addition to any garden, and we are happy to help you find the right plant for your garden.