Hydrangeas are a summer garden staple with their fluffy blooms and leafy foliage. They are great for adding some serious curb appeal and look gorgeous in a vase. Although they do require a little extra care, they are a beautiful addition to any outdoor space and are worth the extra effort as long as you know where to start.

Tips and Tricks:

1. Hydrangeas should be planted in the early spring or fall. Keep in mind that harsh afternoon sun can be damaging and they need to be in a spot with good drainage as to not rot the roots. Stick to organic materials and a great fertilizer, but keep it away from the leaves of the plant.
2. Do not prune during the flowering season. Hydrangeas bloom on the old wood of the plant, so be careful not to over prune.
3. Deadhead the spent blooms as needed. This is done by cutting off the faded blooms and helps to divert the energy to more important part’s of the plants growth. It encourages new blossoms and helps keep your plant looking fresh.
4. Hydrangeas are very prone to molds and mildews. Avoid getting water on the leaves. You can create a foliage spray with one quart of water and two uncoated aspirin tablets dissolved in hot water and spray the foliage to eliminate any fungi on the leaves. Destroy any leaves that are severly damaged to ensure it doesn’t spread to the remainder of the plant.

Good to Know:

• Hydrangeas are super easy to air dry. Cut the blooms off the plant when the petals start feeling a little papery. Next, remove the leaves and hang the stems upside down in a warm, well-ventilated spot out of bright light until the flowers are dry. Hydrangea flowers also will dry naturally on the plant so you can wait to cut them until they’ve completely dried. Once dried, they will last forever! Use dried hydrangeas in floral arrangements or attach to wreaths with floral wire.
• Have a bouqet of hydrangeas that are wilting? Hold the wilted flower’s cut stem over a stovetop for around 15-20 seconds and then immediately return it to the vase. Also, change your water every other day and give each stem a fresh trim before returning to the vase.