Q&A for How to Plant Hydrangeas

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  • Question
    Will all day sun affect hydrangea growth?
    Community Answer
    Hydrangeas prefer some shade in the afternoons. If you try to grow them in all-day sun, make sure to use plenty of mulch to keep the soil from drying out. You can also set up a structure of some kind to give them shade.
  • Question
    My hydrangea hasn't flowered in a couple of years. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    One thing to do is ask friends who have hydrangeas for some of their flower heads. Sprinkle them around the base and inside of your bush; this suggestion was given to me when I asked that question to a nurseryman several years ago. Also note that some hydrangeas only bloom every other year.
  • Question
    Will they bloom again next year and should they be covered?
    Community Answer
    They don't need to be covered, and hydrangeas are perennials, so they will come back each year, and grow more every year they come up.
  • Question
    How far apart should I plant hydrangeas?
    Community Answer
    That information should be on the plastic soil tag that came with your plant, so check there to make sure that you have the right information for the type that you have. If you can't find that information, The Farmer's Almanac suggests 3-10 feet apart.
  • Question
    Do you have to perform both steps?
    Community Answer
    No. If you like the color of your hydrangea, you don't have to change it.
  • Question
    Can I add cypress mulch to the soil?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you need to check to made sure that the pH is okay to do so. Make sure that the pH is not too high or too low.
  • Question
    Can I plant my hydrangeas inside?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but I suggest putting it by a window so the flower will get enough sunlight.
  • Question
    After transplanting the leaves are very droopy? What to do
    Community Answer
    That's normal. All plants go into shock due to the loss of soil and root damage. Leave it be for now and give it normal waterings and good sun.
  • Question
    When do I plant hydrangeas?
    Community Answer
    Fall/autumn is the best season to plant hydrangeas, followed by early spring. Hydrangeas need plenty of time to establish a healthy root system before blooming without freezing or drying up. The best time of day to plant is early morning or late afternoon. The cooler parts of the day offer protection against heat stress. Keep new plants well-watered until established.
  • Question
    What do I do if my hydrangeas flowers are drooping?
    Community Answer
    When hydrangeas are drooping, they're often expressing their dislike of local conditions. Too much sun and not enough water lead to wilt; heavy flower loads can cause tender branches to bend until they touch the ground. Even an extra dose of fertilizer may contribute to droopy hydrangea plants.
  • Question
    Can I plant a hydrangea I purchased at the grocery store?
    Community Answer
    Absolutely! The right time to plant a hydrangea outside is in the late spring, well after any danger of frost has passed, or early fall. If you garden in a region where the ground freezes, get plants into the ground at least six weeks prior to the first fall frost.
  • Question
    Can I put small rocks around the base of my hydrangea?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it will not negatively impact the hydrangea at all or change the color of its flowers.
  • Question
    Can my hydrangeas be rooted in water?
    Community Answer
    Yes, just put some in container with water. When the roots are an inch or two long, it is time to start thinking of putting them in a pot with soil. Be careful with the fragile roots.
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