Hydrangea Plant Care

Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family within the Hydrangea genus. Hydrangea is native to Japan. Hydrangea is also known as Bigleaf Hydrangea, French Hydrangea, Mophead Hydrangea.

Hydrangea displays an upright, bushy growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Hydrangea produces hydrangea macrophylla displays large, globular clusters of flowers in varying shades of pink, blue, or purple, depending on soil ph.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Hydrangea every 2–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Hydrangea thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Hydrangea in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Hydrangea macrophylla tolerates temperatures of 55–75°F. Hydrangea prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Hydrangea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Hydrangea every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Hydrangea is suited to USDA Zone 5 – 9.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Hydrangea can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Hydrangea while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Hydrangea is hardy down to USDA zone 5, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Hydrangea can be propagated through stem cuttings or layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to panicle hydrangea plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Hydrangea is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Hydrangea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5 – 9. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Hydrangea is native to Japan.