bigleaf hydrangea

Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Penny Mac’) should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated. During the active growing season, water plants deeply once a week. In the winter months, water less often, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. You can check the soil by sticking your finger into it; if the soil feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water. When watering the plant, water at the base of the plant near the soil surface. Avoid splashing the foliage, as this can increase the chances of developing disease. In addition, use water that is at room temperature whenever possible.

Bigleaf hydrangeas prefer full to partial sun, with about 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. When grown in partial shade, the plants will produce more foliage, but the flowers may be more sparse. In areas with intense sun, some afternoon shade may be beneficial. The plants should be placed away from reflected heat, such as a south-facing wall, or in areas where temperatures stay consistently warm. It is best to keep the plants in an area where they have access to morning sun and dappled light in the afternoon.

Pruning is an important part of caring for bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Penny Mac'). Pruning should take place in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. To keep your hydrangea looking its best, remove any dead or damaged branches and any crossing branches to reduce overcrowding. Prune back any non-flowering shoots to stimulate bloom production. Keep the shrub’s size in check by shaping it with a sharp pair of pruning shears. Also, pinch back new growth and flower buds in order to create a more full and shapely plant. Finally, be sure to sterilize your pruning shears in between uses with rubbing alcohol to avoid spreading any possible diseases.