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Hydrangea

Cut Flower Care Guide

Hydrangeas produce enormous, showy flower heads that are essential for wedding work and large arrangements. They are woody shrubs that take 2–3 years to establish but then produce reliably for decades. Flower color in mophead types is influenced by soil pH — acidic soil produces blue flowers, alkaline produces pink.

🌱 Planting Guide

When to Plant Spring or fall. Container plants can be planted anytime during the growing season.
Planting Depth At the same level they grew in the container — don't bury the crown
Spacing 4–6 feet between plants depending on variety; 6–8 feet between rows
Soil Rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil, pH 5.5 for blue, 6.5+ for pink. Amend heavily with compost.
Sunlight Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. Full sun acceptable in northern zones with adequate moisture.

💡 Tips

  • Soil pH controls color in mophead types: acidic = blue, alkaline = pink
  • Add aluminum sulfate for blue; lime for pink
  • Panicle hydrangeas (H. paniculata) bloom on new wood — prune in spring
  • Mophead/lacecap types (H. macrophylla) bloom on old wood — prune minimally and carefully
  • Limelight, Annabelle, and Incrediball are reliable cut flower varieties

📅 Month-by-Month Care Calendar

Jan

Order new plants from specialty nurseries. Review variety performance.

Feb

Prune panicle types (Limelight, etc.) before new growth. Leave mopheads alone.

Mar

Remove winter protection from mopheads gradually. Apply slow-release fertilizer.

Apr

New growth emerging. Watch for late frost on mophead buds. Water as needed.

May

Active growth. Apply second feeding. Ensure adequate watering. Scout for pests.

Jun

Early varieties beginning to bloom. Continue watering heavily.

Jul

Peak harvest for most hydrangea types. Cut when blooms feel papery.

Aug

Continue harvesting. Begin drying blooms for everlasting arrangements.

Sep

Late varieties still producing. Blooms aging beautifully for dried work.

Oct

Harvest final blooms for drying. Prepare mopheads for winter protection.

Nov

Wrap mophead types for winter in zones 5–6. Leave panicle types alone.

Dec

Beds dormant. Review variety performance. Plan any new additions.