bigleaf hydrangea

Bigleaf Hydrangea require moderate amounts of water, and they should be watered thoroughly once the soil has had a chance to dry out completely. It's best to water in the morning, so the plant has a chance to dry off during the day. Once established, plants grown in well-draining soils in part shade will only need to be watered every 2-3 weeks during periods of dry weather. In warmer climates with hot summers, more frequent watering may be necessary. To avoid damaging the plant, try not to let the soil completely dry out in between watering.

The bigleaf hydrangea needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flower production. If exposed to too much sunlight, the leaves of the plant may become yellow, dry, and shriveled. Bright indirect light is best for this species, meaning its location should receive plenty of light but be slightly shielded or shaded from harsh direct sunlight. When grown outdoors, the Hydrangea macrophylla 'Hortmaja' EVERLASTING JADE should receive morning and evening sun, and be allowed to rest in the shade during the afternoon.

Pruning for Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Hortmaja' EVERLASTING JADE) should be done in early spring when growth begins. About a third of the shrub should be pruned back each year. To help promote flowering, the older stems in the center of the shrub should be cut back by 6-12 inches. Newer stems should be cut at a 45-degree angle back to a minimum of 6 inches. Always make sure that the stems are healthy and free of disease whenever pruning. Additionally, deadheading the spent blooms should be done throughout the season to encourage additional blooms.