Hydrangeas are absolute showstoppers in any garden, famous for those massive, stunning flower heads we all love. If you get them off to a good start during planting, they’ll reward you with a lush, colorful display year after year. Here are my favorite tips for getting your hydrangeas in the ground the right way.
Pick the Perfect Spot
Hydrangeas love light, but they aren’t huge fans of the baking midday sun. Your best bet is to plant them somewhere they can get some dappled shade—under a tree or near a north-facing wall is usually perfect. You also want to make sure the soil drains well. While these plants are thirsty, they definitely don’t like “wet feet” (standing water). If your soil is heavy clay, adding a drainage layer will help keep those roots happy.
They also crave nutrient-rich soil. If your garden soil is a bit thin or sandy, you’ll need to fertilize more often, but be careful not to overdo it. When you’re ready to plant, dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball. The best time to plant is in late spring after the last frost or in the late fall. Just make sure to give them plenty of elbow room so they can spread out!
How to Get Them in the Ground
Gently place your hydrangea into the hole and fill it back in with soil. Give the ground a light pat to settle everything, then spread a layer of bark mulch over the top. Mulch is a lifesaver—it acts like a natural reservoir, holding onto moisture and nutrients and releasing them slowly to the plant over time.
Here’s your starter kit:
- Rainwater or filtered water (they aren’t fans of “hard” tap water)
- Bark mulch
- Good potting soil mixed with a little leaf compost
Give your new hydrangea a good soak right away. They’ll need a bit more water during those first few weeks while they’re getting established. Once the roots have taken hold, you can back off the watering schedule a bit. Don’t worry about pruning for the first couple of years; the plant needs to focus all its energy on growing strong roots and branches. If you don’t see a ton of flowers right away, don’t panic! By next season, your hydrangea should thank you for your hard work with a gorgeous bloom.
