Hydrangeas Need Special Handling

Hydrangea
Photo: Tom MacCubbin
by: Tom MacCubbin
Updated: 6/1/2018 11:21:51 AM
 
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Hydrangea gift plants look great for a month or more and then slowly lose their color.  Bright pinks and sky blues gradually fade to a dirty white and often turn green.  Before your plants become too unattractive remove the old flowers clusters and then find them a permanent home.

This is one plant you can keep in a container to flower again next spring.  It?s best to give the hydrangea a one to two inch larger pot to allow room for new roots.    Set the plant on a patio, balcony or along a walkway to continue growth.

Most gardeners like to find a site in the landscape for in ground planting.  The ideal spot receives morning sun and afternoon shade.  Also, mix lots of organic matter with sandy soils to help maintain a moist root system.

Just before you plant, have the soil tested for both container grown and in ground plantings.  Pink hydrangeas need an alkaline soil and blue and acid soil.  Now use these additional tips to ensure good growth.


Hydrangeas are a bit of a challenge to grow but the flowers are attractive and long lasting.  There are many new varieties arriving at your garden center and many flower for months.