Vibrant hydrangeas will add a cheerful element to any garden and are some of the most beautiful flowers of the summer, not to mention having some of the longest-lasting blooms.
Typically, they will grow in our gardens from mid to late summer and are largely self-sufficient. But a little care and maintenance will ensure they look their best and last into the autumn season, when the rich shades of these show-stopping flowers are complemented by their foliage taking on fiery hues.
“These beauties have had a resurgence in popularity in the last few years, partly because they are easy to grow and care for,” expert gardener and sustainability advocate Claire Smith tells Country Living.
A cluster of tumbling hydrangeas with their lush foliage will work well in an informal, or ‘messy’ garden that leans into a wilder, more romantic and naturalistic approach with less structured sections.
“At this time of year, they are flowering happily, and in many cases, the blooms last from July to October,” Claire Smith added. “A couple of mine were early into flower this year because of the warm weather, and as a result, may not last quite that long.”
There are so many different types of hydrangeas to choose from, from the striking Endless Summer variety to the pretty Annabelle Hydrangea with its smaller white flowers. And this can affect how they should be cared for, with some varieties adapting better to different weather conditions than others.
While hydrangeas aren’t difficult to maintain, keeping up with a simple routine will help them thrive. Here are a few ways to keep your hydrangeas healthy and strong throughout the seasons.
Keep hydrangeas well watered (the clue is in the name)
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“They like plenty of water, especially in the first few years — they don’t have ‘hydra’ in their name for nothing,” expert gardener Claire Smith explains. “In a dry summer like this one, new plants must be watered to survive and established bushes may need an occasional bucketful to keep the leaves from drooping.”
However, it is possible to overwater hydrangeas, especially Oakleaf Hydrangeas. As a rule of thumb, hydrangeas need about an inch of water each week during the growing season – whether from rain or a watering can.
Flowers and plants should always be watered at the roots, rather than wasting water on the stem or leaves, to keep the soil hydrated. Soil type is less crucial when it comes to hydrangeas, though you will want to ensure your flowers are protected from the elements, Claire explains.
“The hydrangea family are not particularly fussy with soil type, even enjoying a bit of clay soil,” the expert gardener told us. “They are best planted in a semi-shady spot that is sheltered from cold winds.”
Adding some mulch to the soil around the base of the flowers can also help to retain moisture in hydrangeas and prevent the roots from overheating in warmer temperatures.
How to prune hydrangeas 
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It’s relatively simple to prune hydrangeas, as they require little maintenance, but the individual strategy will depend on their type.
There are two main types of hydrangeas, mopheads and lacecaps, referring to the shape of the flower head. The Royal Horticultural Society suggests pruning mophead hydrangeas by removing the dead flowerheads in early spring and “cutting back the stem to the first strong, healthy pair of buds down from the faded bloom.”
Meanwhile, “lacecaps are hardier, and the faded flowerheads can be cut back after flowering to the second pair of leaves below the head in order to prevent seeds developing, which saps energy from the plant”.
Claire confirms this theory, adding: “Hydrangeas are quite happy to look after themselves, making them an ideal choice in a low-maintenance garden,” before explaining, “you can prune them to remove deadwood or to encourage more flowers.
“A light trim back to a pair of buds at the end of March is all that’s needed. Leaving the dead flowerheads on the bush not only adds winter interest but can help protect the new shoots from frost.”
But she does offer an exception to this rule, as the climbing hydrangea will need a little more maintenance. “The only hydrangea that should be pruned in summer is the climbing hydrangea, which can be tidied up after flowering,” the expert gardener continued.
How to care for hydrangeas as cut flowers 
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“Hydrangeas make excellent cut flowers and have a very good vase life,” expert gardener Claire Smith tells us. “Cut flowers that are not newly opened – hydrangeas last best if they are older heads on the plant (the flowers may appear a little bit waxy or slightly dry).”
To ensure the hydrangeas look their best in a vase, Claire suggests that you should “simply cut the stem to the length you want and remove any leaves,” Claire Smith advises, before adding: “Place as much of the stem in water as you can.”
Hydrangeas as dried flowers
You could also consider preserving your hydrangeas as dried flowers to keep on display throughout the season — due to their rich shades (intense purples, dusky pinks and warm oranges in particular), they dry nicely and will make a striking addition to your mantle piece or coffee table, complementing vintage themes perfectly.
“They dry well, too,” Claire Smith explains. “For dry flowers that last all winter, pick older flower heads as you would for the vase, then stand them upright in a tall vase with just about 1-2cm of water in the bottom. Leave them to dry naturally, not replacing the water as it soaks up or evaporates.”
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