Florist Hydrangea Care and Growing Tips
JamesBrey/Getty ImagesA florist hydrangea may be sold at garden centers or other stores, gift wrapped in colorful foil.
“I was given a potted hydrangea. I repotted it once and kept it outside during the summer. Could it be overwintered inside and transplanted in the garden in the spring?” asks Birds & Blooms reader Carla Christopherson of Brainerd, Minnesota.
Horticultural expert Melinda Myers says, “Hydrangeas purchased as a holiday gift plant are generally not as hardy as landscape hydrangeas and are meant to just be enjoyed for the holiday. As gardeners, we are always willing to experiment to find ways to preserve and extend the life of any plant.
Move your florist hydrangea indoors before the first fall frost. Place it in a cool (32 to 40 degrees), dark location for a forced dormant period. Water thoroughly and just often enough to prevent the roots from totally drying out. In spring, move the plant to a warmer area in front of a sunny window. Begin watering and once leaves appear, start fertilizing according to label directions. Once the danger of frost has passed, move your hydrangea back outside.”
Hydrangea not blooming? Here’s what to do.
Florist Hydrangea vs Landscape Hydrangea
www.provenwinners.comLet’s Dance Blue Jangles reblooming hydrangea
Landscape hydrangeas, such as Let’s Dance Blue Jangles reblooming hydrangea (above) differ from florist hydrangeas because they are bred for outdoor hardiness.
Some common types of landscape hydrangeas to look for include smooth hydrangeas, oakleaf hydrangeas, bigleaf hydrangeas, panicle hydrangeas and mountain hydrangeas.
Next, find out if a hydrangea needs full sun or shade to grow best?
About the Expert
Melinda Myers is the official gardening expert for Birds & Blooms. She is a TV/radio host, author and columnist who has written more than 20 gardening books. Melinda earned a master’s degree in horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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