Hydrangea Care Made Simple

Hydrangeas are the showstoppers of any garden, with their stunning, lush blooms. If you’ve ever been captivated by their vibrant pinks, blues, and whites but feel unsure about hydrangea care, you’re not alone. The good news is, it’s easier than you think. Let’s get into it.

Plantland’s hydrangea care guide

Planting your hydrangea

The best time to plant hydrangeas is in late spring or early autumn, giving their roots time to settle before the first frost arrives. When planting, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, and make sure the plant sits at the same depth as it did in its nursery pot. Once it’s in, give it a good, deep drink of water to help it settle.

Light requirements

Hydrangeas love a bit of both worlds—morning sun followed by some afternoon shade is ideal. Too much shade, though, can reduce the number of flowers. They’ll also thrive in full sun, but on those scorching summer days, they might need extra watering to keep them happy.

Soil conditions

Hydrangeas thrive in fertile, moisture-rich soil enhanced with acidic compost, which provides extra nutrients and helps retain water. 

Watering needs

Hydrangea care involves giving them a deep drink once or twice a week during their growing season. A handy tip: stick your finger about 10 cm into the soil—if it feels dry, it’s time for a good watering. Make sure the water soaks right down to the roots, but don’t let the soil become waterlogged.

If it’s been raining heavily, you can ease off on the watering. On hotter days, give them a bit more water, but again, avoid letting them sit in soggy soil.

What about curling leaves?

When the weather gets really hot, hydrangeas may curl their leaves and look wilted. Don’t panic—it’s just their way of protecting themselves from the heat. This doesn’t necessarily mean they need more water. They should perk up again when things cool down in the evening.

Temperature and humidity

Hydrangeas prefer mild temperatures and can struggle in areas with bitterly cold winters. If they’re in an exposed spot, the cold and too much winter sun can cause dieback. They also prefer moderate to high humidity, and in drier climates, their leaves might turn brown and crispy.

Hydrangeas can grow well in several areas of South Africa, particularly where the climate is mild and humid. These regions include:

• KwaZulu-Natal
• Western Cape
• Eastern Cape
• Gauteng
• Mpumalanga
• Garden Route

Fertilising and feeding

When it comes to hydrangea care, using a balanced fertiliser, like a 10-10-10 mix or one designed for flowering shrubs, works best in the spring. But be careful not to fertilise them in summer. If your soil is already nutrient-rich, you might not need to fertilise them at all.

One great option is Starke Ayres Hydrangea Food, a concentrated fertiliser that promotes healthy root, plant, and flower development—not just for hydrangeas, but also for other flowering plants like azaleas, camellias, and gardenias.

With a nutrient breakdown of 15% nitrogen (N), 4.3% phosphorous (P), and 27.4% potassium (K), it provides all the essential nutrients hydrangeas need. 

You may also be interested in: Prevent Hydrangea yellowing with acid loving plant food

Pruning your hydrangeas

Without pruning, hydrangeas can become overgrown and lose vigour. Pruning depends on whether they bloom on new or old wood, helping maintain shape and encourage healthy blooms. “Old wood” refers to branches that grew the previous year and bear flowers on established buds, while “new wood” refers to current-season growth that produces blooms.

Potting and repotting 

As part of hydrangea care, compact varieties under 1.5 metres are ideal for containers. Place them in a pot with good drainage, at least 40 to 60 cm wide, in a spot that gets four hours of morning sun. Water regularly, and repot after three to five years when the roots fill the container. Avoid terra-cotta pots, which can crack in cold weather.

Common pests and diseases

Hydrangeas can be bothered by pests like aphids, weevils, beetles, and spider mites, which may damage leaves. Hand-pick pests and dispose of them in soapy water, avoiding insecticides during blooming. Hydrangeas are also prone to diseases like blight, mildew, and leaf spot. Fungicides can help but may require reapplication.

Shop garden care products online. 

Choose the Endless Summer Hydrangea

If you’re looking for a hydrangea that gives you more bloom for your effort, the Endless Summer Hydrangea Range is a perfect choice. The Endless Summer variety blooms on both old and new wood, meaning you’ll enjoy vibrant flowers from early spring right through to autumn. 

These hydrangeas are not only low-maintenance but are also hardy enough to withstand South Africa’s diverse climate. 

• Summer Love: This eye-catching shrub delivers a stunning colour breakthrough with raspberry to purple flowers. Blooms all summer long, providing a burst of colour in any garden.
• BloomStar: Known for its large flower heads, measuring 9–15 cm across, BloomStar blooms on sturdy stems throughout the season. Shades ranging from vivid rose-pink to deep purple-blue.
• Blushing Bride: A pure white hydrangea that matures to a soft blush pink or blue, Blushing Bride™ stands out for its glossy, deep green foliage and its fast reblooming cycle. 
• Blue: For lovers of classic hydrangeas, Blue is a fast-growing, repeat-flowering shrub that produces large, showy blue blooms. It flowers from late spring to summer, creating a stunning display.

Plantland shares monthly gardening tips, including this hydrangea care guide, on our blog, as well as on Facebook and Instagram.