Hydrangeas prefer moist but well drained loamy soil. Soil Ph will determine the color of the blooms of some (but not all) hydrangeas. Acid soil can bring about blue/violet colors and alkaline will encourage pink colors. To achieve the strongest blue/violet colors make sure they get adequate water each week along with occasional acid amendments.

Big leaf hydrangeas bloom from buds formed on the previous year so don’t prune until flowering is done. Thin about 1/3 of the oldest or weakest stems out each year. You can also head back stems if height needs to be reduced.

Happy Gardening,
Diane