All hydrangeas are toxic to humans and pets.
Light
Hydrangeas need full sun, dappled sun, or partial shade.
Not all types have the same sun tolerance.
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Panicle hydrangeas are still fine with six or more hours of sun.
Generally morning sun is preferable to afternoon sun, especially in a warm climate.
Water the entire soil until water drips out of the drainage holes.
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And the more sun exposure it has, the more water it needs.
Select a protected spot for your container-grown hydrangea.
Hydrangeas are tolerant of moderate to high humidity but not of a dry, hot climate.
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Use an all-purpose granular slow-release fertilizer for flowering shrubs or for acid-loving plants if your hydrangea has blue flowers.
Apply it once in the spring as the plant breaks dormancy.
Scatter it around the soil but keep it away from the branches.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Water it in thoroughly.
The bloom time determines when to prune them:
Whichever hydrangea you have, follow these detailed step-by-steppruning instructions.
confirm that it has large drainage holes.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
As pretty as they are, terracotta and ceramic containers are problematic because they can crack during the winter.
Remove the plant from its nursery pot and place it in the container.
Add soil around the root system and tamp it down as you go.
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Cover the soil with mulch to preserve soil moisture.
Depending on the growth rate.
Moving the container to a location where it is protected from damaging winter winds might not be enough.
Little Lime hydrangeaMaksims Grigorjevs / Getty Images
Another option is to wrap the container with several layers of bubble wrap or burlap.
Keep in mind that terra cotta containers may crack during freeze-and-thaw cycles.
Minor infestations can be treated withinsecticidal soaps.
Potting hydrangeasRossHelen / Getty Images
Also avoid overhead watering of your hydrangea and always water at the base.
Wet foliage that lingers can exacerbate the spreading of fungal diseases.
Too much shade can reduce flowering.
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Florist hydrangeassmall potted mophead hydrangeas that you buy when they are in full bloomoften dont bloom again.
These plants were forced into flowering to serve as short-term showy centerpieces or gifts.
They are not meant to be grown as long-term plants, either in pots or in the landscape.
Wait until the weather has warmed up before removing the damaged foliage.
The exception are florist hydrangeas, which have a much shorter and only seasonal life cycle at best.
North Carolina State University Extension.
