bigleaf hydrangea

Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Sonmarie' Pink Shira) should be watered once every week. To water them correctly, water thoroughly so that the soil is saturated, allowing water to run off, and then wait until the top of the soil is just dry to the touch before watering again. When it is especially hot out, the plants may require more frequent watering to keep them happy and healthy.

Bigleaf hydrangeas require partial shade to full sun and should receive between 3-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If given too much sun, the foliage of the hydrangea may turn yellow or brown and the flowers may not bloom. For best results, in general, it is recommended to plant bigleaf hydrangeas on the east side or northern side of the garden, as this will provide enough sunlight but also some shade as well.

Bigleaf Hydrangeas are generally easy to maintain and, if given enough sun and moisture, will reward with an abundance of flowers. Pruning can help to keep the plant more manageable, and flowering size and shape consistent. The best time to prune Bigleaf Hydrangeas is just after flowering in late summer or early fall. By pruning in autumn you will encourage vigorous growth the following season and help to reduce potential die-back from the harsher winter weather. It is generally recommended to only prune the flower heads by about 1/3 of the overall size – this helps to control the size but also ensures there is still enough energy left in the plant for the following season. In addition, lightly prune any dead wood and cross-branches in late winter before the plant starts to actively grow again. It is also important to remember to prune out any yellowing or dead leaves during the growing season as these can affect the overall health and vigor of the Bigleaf Hydrangea.