There’s nothing quite like the magic of a hydrangea garden in full bloom. Those massive, colorful flower heads are total showstoppers, but let’s be real—they can get pretty heavy! Sometimes, all that gorgeous weight is just too much for the stems to handle on their own. If your plants are starting to droop, it might be time to give them a little extra support. Here’s the lowdown on how to keep your hydrangeas standing tall.
Do All Hydrangeas Need Support?
Not every hydrangea is a “flopper.” Different varieties have different bloom sizes, and some are naturally sturdier than others. If you’ve planted yours in a spot that’s well-protected from the wind, they might do just fine on their own without any stems snapping.
However, if you notice your blooms face-planting after a rainstorm, a little help goes a long way. The key is to use materials that blend in so you don’t ruin the view. I’m a big fan of using wooden stakes or bamboo poles. They look totally natural, they’re super sturdy, and you don’t have to worry about any weird chemicals leaching into your soil.
How to Support Your Hydrangeas
Bamboo is a gardener’s best friend—it’s lightweight, durable, and easy to work with. You can buy long poles and simply saw them down to match the size of your hydrangea. By using a few stakes together, you can create a simple framework that keeps the whole bush looking upright and lush.
Here’s a quick step-by-step to build your own support:
- Cut your bamboo stakes to the right height for your specific plant.
- Drive the stakes into the ground in a line or a circle around the plant (or plants) you want to support.
- Connect the upright stakes with horizontal cross-bars to create a mini “fence” or grid.
- Use some garden twine to gently tie the heavy flower heads to your new support structure.
The best part? You can leave these supports out during the winter too. Since you’re using natural materials instead of plastic, you aren’t leaving any “trash” in the garden, and they’ll eventually break down safely. Plus, a rustic bamboo or wood frame actually looks pretty charming and fits right in with that romantic hydrangea aesthetic!
