How to Grow Hydrangea Blooming Season - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Hydrangea blooming season is a special time for this popular garden shrub. The large, showy flowers that adorn hydrangeas in summer are a welcome addition to any garden. But before you can enjoy their beauty, you need to know a little bit about how to care for these plants.

How to Grow Hydrangea Blooming Season - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Bigleaf hydrangea ( Hydrangea macrophylla)
  • Oakleaf hydrangea ( Hydrangea quercifolia)
  • Mountain hydrangea ( Hydrangea serrata)
  • Smooth hydrangea ( Hydrangea arborescens)
  • Snowball hydrangea ( Hydrangea macrophylla 'Grandiflora')

Common Knowledge

  • Hydrangeas typically bloom in late spring or early summer.
  • The blooming season can vary depending on the variety of hydrangea.
  • To extend the blooming season, deadhead spent flowers regularly.
  • Some hydrangeas will rebloom if the spent flowers are removed promptly.
  • If you want your hydrangeas to bloom continuously, consider growing a variety that is known to rebloom.
  • Most hydrangeas prefer partial sun to full sun for best flowering.
  • Adequate moisture is important for hydrangeas to perform their best.
  • Proper fertilizer can also help promote bountiful blooms.
  • Be on the lookout for pests and diseases that can affect your hydrangeas.
  • Enjoy the beauty of hydrangeas in your garden during their peak blooming season!

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

Planting Process

  1. For hydrangea blooming season, first step is to get a good quality potting mix. You can either use a potting mix made specifically for hydrangeas or make your own by mixing two parts peat moss with one part perlite.
  2. Fill a pot or container with the potting mix and water it well.
  3. Place the hydrangea plant in the pot or container.
  4. Spread a layer of mulch around the plant to help keep the roots cool and moist.
  5. Water the plant regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not soggy.
  6. Fertilize the plant every month during the growing season with a water-soluble fertilizer.
  7. In late summer or early fall, cut back the stems of the plant by about one-third.
  8. Bring the plant indoors before the first frost.
  9. Place the plant in a sunny location and water it regularly.
  10. Once the plant has finished blooming, cut back the stems by about one-half.

Related plant:
Dark Purple Hydrangea

The Soil

About soil condition, hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. They are generally tolerant of a wide range of soils, however, as long as the soil is not allowed to dry out completely. They also prefer acidic soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

Light condition

Not too different with other flowers, hydrangeas need sunlight to bloom. The amount of sunlight they need depends on the variety of hydrangea. Some hydrangeas, like panicle hydrangeas, can tolerate full sun, while others, like bigleaf hydrangeas, prefer partial sun or shade. So, if you're not sure how much sun your hydrangea needs, check the plant tag or ask a nursery worker for help.

The Temperature

The temperature condition during the hydrangea blooming season is very important. If the temperature is too hot, the flowers will wilt and the plant will not be able to produce as many blooms. If the temperature is too cold, the flowers will not open properly and the plant will not be able to produce as many blooms. The ideal temperature for hydrangea blooming is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the humidity is too low, the flowers will wilt and the leaves will turn brown and crispy. If the humidity is too high, the plant will be more susceptible to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

For the fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. An example would be a 10-10-10 fertilizer. As for the root, it is best to plant the hydrangea in an area that has good drainage.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your hydrangea blooming beautifully. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead wood, and cut back the plant by about one-third. This will encourage new growth and help to keep your plant healthy.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done in late summer or early fall. To propagate, take 4-6 inch stem cuttings from the tips of new growth. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a small pot filled with moistened potting mix. Place the pot in a bright, indirect light location and keep the soil moist. New roots should form in 4-8 weeks. Once roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or into the garden.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is very fast. They can easily double in size in just a few weeks. However, some plants may take a bit longer to grow. If you are unsure about the plant growth rate, ask your local nursery or garden center for advice.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are10: lack of light, incorrect soil pH, over-or under-watering, planting in too much sun or too much shade, not enough nutrients in the soil, and problems with the roots.

Growing Tips

  • If you want to have gorgeous hydrangeas in your garden, make sure to plant them in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.
  • Be sure to water your hydrangeas regularly, as they need plenty of moisture to thrive.
  • Add some organic matter to the soil around your hydrangeas to help them grow.
  • To encourage blooming, cut back the stems of your hydrangeas by a few inches each spring.
  • If you live in an area with cold winters, be sure to protect your hydrangeas with a layer of mulch.
  • If you want your hydrangeas to bloom more abundantly, feed them with a fertilizer high in phosphorus.
  • To keep your hydrangeas looking their best, deadhead the spent flowers regularly.
  • If you notice any pests on your hydrangeas, be sure to treat them promptly to

Similar Plants

  • Hibiscus syriacus – Hibiscus syriacus, also known as the rose of Sharon, rose mallow and shrub althea, is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family Malvaceae, native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, where it is known as the Kaukasus or Kaukasische Hibiskus. It is a deciduous shrub growing to 15 feet tall and wide, the leaves are deeply three-lobed, 10–18 cm long and wide, with hairy surfaces. Photo and information Hibiscus syriacus
  • Hydrangea species in eastern Asia – Hydrangea species in eastern Asia refers to the Hydrangea species that occur in East Asia that are members of the tribe Hydrangeeae, a tribe of the plant family Hydrangeaceae. They occur in the far eastern part of eastern Asia, with the majority of the species occurring in China, with a few occurring in Korea, check

Source:
Hydrangeas in the Garden - North Carolina State University
Hydrangea - University of Connecticut
Hydrangeas – Hallmarks of the Southern Garden | NC State …

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category