All hydrangeas will bloom and grow well in morning sun and afternoon shade.

Plant in rich soil, add compost or other organic matter when you plant them, and mulch well.


Hydrangeas grow best if they are fertilised once or twice a year in spring and summer. Use organic additions to the soil, such as manure and compost, or a slow-release, balanced fertiliser. Apply ¼ cup around the base of a very small plant, and 1-2 cups around a very large plant.


In Spring, prune back old or damaged growth and old flower stems. Don't cut new shoots - they are where the new blooms will be. In late summer, after blooming, prune to just above the next outward facing bud. For larger flower clusters, thin plant down to half the number of stems.


You can change the colour of the flowers by changing the acidity of the soil. Add Aluminium Sulphate to make the soil acid for Blue flowers. Or add Lime to make the soil alkaline for Pink flowers. You will need to repeat the process 2 or 3 times over the growing season and continue it as long as you want the change to continue. It may take a year or two to see the results you want. This doesn't usually work on the white varieties on Hydrangeas.


In Spring, prune back old or damaged growth and old flower stems. Don't cut new shoots - they are where the new blooms will be. In late summer, after blooming, prune to just above the next outward facing bud. For larger flower clusters, thin plant down to half the number of stems.