Growing guide

How to grow shrubby hydrangeas

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Quick facts

  • Good for late summer colour
  • Long-lasting flowers from mid to late summer that can also be used for drying and flower arranging
  • Plant in spring or autumn in moist soil that drains well
  • Best in light shade, but tolerates sun if the soil is not too dry
  • Well suited for clay soils
  • The blue flower colour only develops if planted in acid soil
  • Prune Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea serrata in mid-spring, others in early spring
  • Mulch in spring to improve soil moisture retention
  • Propagate from softwood, semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings
  • Contact with foliage may aggravate skin allergies so wear gloves. All parts may cause mild stomach upset if ingested

All you need to know

Before you get started
Planting
Ongoing care
Pruning and training
Propagating
Problems
While we think all this information will be helpful to you, we always recommend to read the instruction labels on your plants.

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