bigleaf hydrangea

Bigleaf hydrangeas do best when they are watered deeply but infrequently. Aim to water once or twice a week in spring and summer, allowing the top inch or 2 of the soil to dry out between waterings. In autumn, reduce watering to once every 2 weeks. During periods of extreme heat and drought, water when the soil dries out more quickly than normal. Keep in mind that the plant will need more water if it isn’t in a shady spot or in a well-mulched environment. If the leaves start to curl or turn brown around the edges, the plant may need more water.

Bigleaf hydrangeas need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. During the warmer summer months, it’s best to provide them with filtered sun in the afternoon and shade in the late afternoon, especially if the temperatures are above 85 degrees. In the winter months when temperatures are low, full sun exposure can benefit the hydrangea.

Bigleaf hydrangeas should be pruned as soon as the flowers have faded away. Depending on where it is planted, pruning can take place in late spring or early summer. It is important not to prune too late in the summer, as this will limit the emergence of flower buds for the following season. Pruning should be done as lightly as possible; while this species can tolerate severe pruning, it is best to minimize pruning as much as possible, as too much can harm the shape of the shrub and reduce flowering. Generally speaking, you should prune the old wood at the base of the plant to keep the size of the shrub tighter, while removing long branches and dead wood as needed.