Where is the best site for growing hydrangeas?
MI: Most hydrangeas are woodland plants, so they require some shade. Especially in the South, they like protection from the harsh western sun. The exception to this rule is Hydrangea paniculata, which will flourish in full sunlight. SA: When is the ideal time to plant hydrangeas? MI: After the danger of frost in the spring, or during the fall. SA: How much care and attention do they need? MI: They like to be mulched to keep their root system cool, and regular watering is important. A top dressing of compost is always good in the spring. SA: What is the best method of pruning hydrangeas? MI: Actually, we don’t really prune. We remove old flower heads and branches in the spring after the last frost. Sometimes, if a shrub is scraggly, we will cut it to the ground to allow all new growth to come out in late spring. More than likely, there will be no flowers that upcoming season, but they will be profuse the following season. SA: What are the different species and their attributes? MI: H. a
