How to Grow Transplanting Hydrangeas - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Transing hydrangeas is a process where you change the color of the flowers. You can do this by using food coloring, watercolors, or even dye. The process is simple and only takes a few minutes.

How to Grow Transplanting Hydrangeas - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • bush hydrangea
  • climbing hydrangea
  • florist's hydrangea
  • hortensia
  • panicle hydrangea

Basic info

  • Hydrangeas are woody shrubs that are popular in gardens and as ornamental plants.
  • They are native to Asia and North America and thrive in moist, cool climates.
  • Hydrangeas are characterized by their large, showy flowers which can be white, pink, blue, or purple.
  • The color of hydrangeas’ flowers can be affected by the soil they are grown in – for example, blue flowers will turn pink in alkaline soil.
  • Hydrangeas are relatively easy to care for and make good cut flowers.
  • Transplanting hydrangeas can be tricky – it is best to do it in the spring or fall, and make sure the plant is well-watered afterwards.
  • Pruning hydrangeas can also be tricky – it is best to do it in the late winter or early spring, before the plant starts to bloom.
  • Hydrangeas can be susceptible to fungal diseases, so it is important to keep the leaves dry and to avoid overcrowding the plants.
  • Aphids and other pests can also be a problem for hydrangeas – regular monitoring and treatment with insecticidal soap or other organic methods is recommended.
  • Hydrangeas make a great addition to any garden – with a little care, they will provide you with beautiful blooms for years to come!

Related plant:
Transplanting Azaleas

Growing Steps

  1. For transing hydrangeas, first step is to choose a healthy plant that has good roots system.
  2. Cut the main stem of the plant about 6-8 inches above the ground level.
  3. Remove all the leaves from the main stem.
  4. Make a slanting cut at the bottom of the main stem.
  5. Now, make a second slanting cut about 1-2 inches above the first cut.
  6. Make sure that both the slanting cuts are of equal distance from the center of the main stem.
  7. Dip the cutting end of the main stem in rooting hormone powder.
  8. Place the main stem in a pot filled with moist sand.
  9. Cover the pot with a plastic sheet and place it in a warm place.
  10. Keep the sand moist and wait for the roots to develop. Once the roots have developed, transplant the hydrangea to a larger pot or in the garden.

Related plant:
Transplanting Rose Bushes

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the best way to keep your hydrangeas healthy is to make sure the soil is moist but not soggy. The ideal soil pH for hydrangeas is between 5.5 and 6.5. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH. If the soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH.

Light condition

Just like other flowers, hydrangeas will do best if they get 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. If you live in an area with intense heat, it's best to give them some afternoon shade. Too much sun can cause the flowers to wilt and the leaves to scorch.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions for transing hydrangeas are very important. The best time to do this is in the fall, when the temperature is cooler. If the temperature is too hot, the plant will not be able to properly absorb the water and the leaves will begin to wilt.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40-50% If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to droop and the flowers will start to wilt. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and curl up.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this plant does best with a low nitrogen fertilizer. You can either use a slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer that is diluted. As for roots, you should avoid over-watering this plant as it can lead to root rot. Be sure to allow the soil to dry out in between watering.

About light

Pruning your hydrangea is important to the health of your plant. By pruning your plant, you are encouraging new growth and preventing the plant from becoming too woody. When pruning your hydrangea, be sure to cut at an angle so that water can drain away from the plant.

About Propagating

Propagation is one of the easiest ways to multiply your hydrangea plants. You can take stem cuttings in late summer or early fall. Fill a planting pot with moistened potting mix and insert the cutting about 2 inches (5 cm) below the pot’s rim. Be sure to remove any leaves from the bottom 2 inches (5 cm) of the cutting. Water the soil and place the pot in a sunny location. In about six weeks, you should see new growth. Once the plant is established, you can transplant it to your garden.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is painfully slow. The process can take several weeks, or even months, to show any results. But once they get going, they can add inches of growth per week. Keep an eye on your plants and if they seem to be struggling, give them a little extra attention.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are brown leaves, wilting, and yellow flowers. These problems can be caused by too much sun, too little sun, too much water, or too little water. If the leaves are brown, it is probably due to too much sun. If the flowers are yellow, it is probably due to too little sun. If the plant is wilting, it is probably due to too much water. If the plant is not blooming, it is probably due to too little water.

List to Know

  • Make sure to plant your hydrangea in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.
  • Hydrangeas require soil that is moist but well-drained.
  • When planting, be sure to add some organic matter to the hole to help the plant thrive.
  • fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
  • Water regularly, especially during hot weather.
  • Pinch back the stems of your hydrangea to encourage bushier growth.
  • Deadhead faded flowers to encourage new blooms.
  • Protect your plant from strong winds by staking it or planting it in a sheltered location.
  • Mulch around the base of the plant to help keep the roots cool and moist.
  • With proper care, your hydrangea should bloom from spring to fall.

Similar Plants

  • aubrieta
  • basket of gold
  • bluebell
  • calla
  • chimney plant
  • columbine
  • cup plant
  • daffodil
  • foxglove
  • Lily of the valley

Source:
Growing Hydrangeas - Center for Agriculture, Food, and the …
General care for hydrangeas - OSU Extension Service
Hydrangea: Identify and Manage Problems - UMD

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category