bigleaf hydrangea

Bigleaf Hydrangeas should be watered once every 7-10 days, with approximately 1-2 inches of water. If kept in a pot, they can be watered much more frequently, and the container should be away from direct sunlight. It is important to water deeply for bigleaf hydrangeas so that the water can penetrate the entire soil. This will help encourage deep root growth. To ensure that the soil is well-watered, check it with your finger before each watering. If it feels dry, it's time to give the plant a drink. If the soil is still moist, wait until it's drier before watering again. Generally, it's better to err on the side of under-watering than over-watering.

Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Kompeito' STAR GAZER) benefits from 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day. Morning sunlight is preferable, as it is cooler and will not scorch delicate flowers. Avoid direct hot afternoon sunlight which may cause drying and wilting. Too much sun can also result in the foliage fading to a yellowy-green color. If placed in too much or too little sunlight, the plant will likely not bloom. In these cases, some supplemental artificial lighting may be beneficial.

Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Kompeito' STAR GAZER) should be pruned in early spring, just before new growth begins. Prune selectively, removing only a few of the oldest, thickest stems at the point where they emerge from the base of the shrub. Avoid cutting off the top of the shrub, as this will inhibit flowering. Remove competing branches and thin out the center of the shrub, and any stems that are overcrowded. If flowers are sparse during the summer, selectively prune out any dead or damaged stems and shape the shrub as desired.