bigleaf hydrangea

The amount and timing of watering for the Bigleaf Hydrangea should be dependent on the environment they are planted in. It’s best to keep the soil evenly moist, yet not soggy. Water the plant once a week, or when the top 3-4 inches of soil have dried out. If the plant is grown in a container, check for moisture twice a week. In hot and dry weather, watering is likely to need to happen more frequently. On the other hand, during rainy spells or cold winters, the plants may not need to be watered as regularly. Avoid overwatering the plant, as this can cause root rot and pest problems.

Bigleaf hydrangeas should be grown in full sunlight for at least 4-6 hours per day to keep blooming. They will also grow in part shade, but the flowers will be less vibrant and any buds may not fully open or will be fewer in number. If possible, try to place your hydrangea plants in areas that receive at least morning sunlight, but they should be shaded from the intense afternoon sun. In general, morning sun is best for bigleaf hydrangeas as too much direct sunlight can cause scorching and reduce flowering.

Pruning Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla Double Delights Perfection) should be done at the right time and in the right manner. Pruning Bigleaf Hydrangeas needs to be done annually and the best time to do this is in late winter or early spring. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, followed by shaping the plant and removing any overcrowded or crossed branches. Wedging cuts should be used to remove large, woody branches, and hand pruners may be used to thin out the center of the shrub. By selectively pruning these shrubs, you can encourage bushy, well-shaped growth and reduce the length of the flower stems. Finally, do not begin pruning your Hydrangea until you are sure it is healthy. Pruning unhealthy Bigleaf Hydrangeas can lead to the spread of disease and damage the health of the plant.