bigleaf hydrangea

Bigleaf hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil and should be watered approximately once or twice per week. During hot periods, water more frequently to keep the soil slightly damp and prevent wilting. Avoid over-watering as this can lead to root and stem rot. Adjust watering based on the season, the plant's soil type, and the climate where the plant is located. Additionally, in the early spring before the leaves emerge, apply a dilute balanced fertilizer.

Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mariesii') grow best in bright shade or partial sun. For this species, 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal. When possible, provide morning sun and afternoon shade to prevent wilting or leaf burn. If a bigleaf hydrangea is exposed to too much direct sunlight or when temperatures reach 90°F or above, its leaves could scorch and the plant may suffer from drought stress.

Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mariesii') plants should be pruned in late winter (January to early March) or early summer (late June). The right time to prune depends on when the plant flowers. If your Bigleaf Hydrangea blooms in the summer, then you should prune it after it has finished flowering. If the blooms arrive in the late summer, then prune in late winter when the plant is just starting to break dormancy. Pruning can be done selectively or drastically, depending on how much you want to cut back the plant. Older, overgrown plants benefit from drastic pruning, where some of the older branches are removed close to the main stem. This helps to rejuvenate the plant with new growth and flowers. Selective pruning involves smaller, more precise cuts to remove dead or diseased stems or thin out the plant.