If you’re looking for a summer filled with lush blooming hydrangeas, a bit of early spring maintenance can go a long way to achieving your goal.
Our 5 top springtime tips for springtime hydrangea care will provide information on pruning, feeding, transplanting, mulching and even changing the flower color of certain species.
Springtime Hydrangea Care
- Fertilizer - Fertilizing hydrangea bushes is easy. Simply apply the season’s first dose once new growth begins to emerge in spring. A general, all-purpose fertilizer or a product specific to acid-loving plants would be beneficial to your hydrangeas. Following the instructions on the packaging, broadcast the fertilizer evenly along the drip edge of the plant, then water in completely.
- Bloom Color - Want to know how to change the color of a hydrangea? The flower color on mophead (H. macrophylla) and lacecap (H. serrata) types can be altered with the addition of either aluminum sulfate or lime to the soil. A soil acidifier, such as aluminum sulfate, will darken blue hydrangeas and possibly turn pink hydrangeas to more of a purple hue. Lime will lighten blue hydrangeas to a pinkish hue. Apply the correct amendment depending on the desired flower color early in the spring, right after new growth has emerged. A second application can be applied 1-2 months later.
- Pruning - To produce fuller and healthier shrubs, both panicle (H. paniculata) and smooth (H. arborescens) types of hydrangeas should be pruned in early spring. Prune panicle types up to one-half of their total growth Be sure to prune right above a pair of buds. Prune smooth types to just one foot above ground. Other types of hydrangeas including oakleaf and mophead do not require pruning during the spring months.
- Mulch - Apply a 2” layer of mulch in spring just as the leaf buds begin to open. Mulching will help reduce weeds, retain moisture, and give a fresh, clean look to your beds. Pine bark, compost, shredded mulches, and pine needles are all good choices depending on availability in your region.
- Transplanting - Early spring is a great time to transplant hydrangea shrubs that may be receiving a bit too much sun or have outgrown their location. If the shrub is too big and cumbersome to move, you may prune it back a bit to make the plant more manageable. Amend the soil in the new planting area as needed and be sure to water thoroughly after planting, repeating frequently while the roots establish in their new environment.
-
Sow These 5 Flower Seeds Before Winter Ends For Gorgeous Spring BloomsGet a headstart on a vibrant spring garden with these fast-growing flowers. Sow them in the cold winter months to ensure an abundance of early-season color.
-
Ultimate Raised Beds For Small Gardens: Try These 5 Raised Options For Compact CornersThe perfect raised beds for small gardens squeeze every bit of useful space out of the most productive corners. Here are some practical space-saving ideas you can try
-
8 Flowering Shrubs You Must Prune Before Winter Ends For Maximum Blooms This SummerMany summer-flowering shrubs should be trimmed before winter ends, so don’t wait. Get out there on a sunny day and prune your shrubs for more flowers and healthy growth in spring and summer.
-
7 Must-Sow Flower Seeds For February To Ensure A Dazzling Summer GardenDon't let the cold weather stop you from realizing your growing ambitions. These stunning flowers can all be started indoors in winter for breathtaking results.
-
Are Poinsettias Poisonous To Cats? What You Need To Know For Happy, Healthy FelinesThey have the potential to brighten up homes long after the holidays, but are poinsettias poisonous to cats? Make sure you read this before mixing the two!
-
Are Poinsettias Poisonous To Dogs? What You Need To Know To Keep Your Pooch SafeYou may adore their richly hued tones and textures, but are poinsettias poisonous to dogs? Don’t leave it to chance – we reveal how risky they are, and how to keep pets safe
-
Christmas Cactus Watering Guide: How Often To Water Plants For Better BloomsDiscover how often to water a Christmas cactus, how much, and how to avoid under and overwatering for healthy plants that flower reliably over the holidays.
-
Should You Cut Back Roses In The Fall? – When To Prune Your Prized Shrubs For WinterDiscover whether to cut back roses before the onset of winter – or to leave plants alone until spring.
-
Propagating A Thanksgiving Cactus: How To Grow More Plants For FreeEffortlessly propagate your Thanksgiving cactus with simple stem cuttings or root division, to create healthy new plants that burst with vibrant blooms year after year.
-
How Long Do Mums Last? Plus, How To Make Chrysanthemum Flowers Last LongerChrysanthemums have the potential for enduring displays as we enter the quieter months of the year. But how long do mums last? Here’s how to maximize your fall blooms
