Hydrangea macrophylla, Mophead Hydrangea, Bigleaf Hydrangea, French Hydrangea, Lacecap hydrangea, Mountain Hydrangea, Smooth Hydrangea, Panicle Hydrangea, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia, Climbing Hydrangea

Plant Hydrangea in well-drained to moist, amended soil. Water Hydrangea well after planting; maintain 1” of water once a week the first year. Prune down Hydrangea to uppermost growth in spring. Remove dead, winter-damaged stems and silver, older wood at this time. Deadhead Hydrangea in summer through fall. Feed Hydrangea early spring and mid-summer with a slow-release fertilizer.

For blue Hydrangea flowers use Aluminum Sulfate or Garden Sulfur; for pink apply Garden Lime. Use Triple Phosphate to help Hydrangea force blooms. Mulch 2″ to suppress weeds, retain moisture and protect Hydrangea against extremes of soil temperature.