Help, my hydrangea is getting really big!
Hydrangeas are beautiful flowering plants, but sometimes they grow faster than expected. Don't panic! With these tips, you can keep your favourite hydrangeas compact and give them the best spot in your garden.
A more spacious spot
Do you have space to spare? Move your hydrangea to a more spacious location. Prepare the plant by digging around the root ball a few times at the end of the growing season (September), inserting the spade into the soil about 30 cm around the outer branches. This stimulates the formation of new, compact roots, allowing it to quickly take root in its new location. Transplant it between November and February, as long as there is no frost. The plant will then be dormant and will take root more easily.
Divide it
It sounds drastic, but dividing is a tried and tested method for keeping hydrangeas compact. In early spring or late autumn, first prune the plant back to a third of its size. Then dig it up and chop the root ball into 2 or 3 pieces with a spade. Replant them in your garden or in a pot for the patio. This way, you can enjoy your favourite hydrangea twice – or even three times – as much!
A good pruning
Proven Winners hydrangeas are easy to prune back if they have grown too large for your garden. This will make them compact again and allow them to remain in place for longer. Prune in early spring, before the plant starts to sprout.
Wild hydrangeas, such as Strong Annabelle®, panicle hydrangeas, such as Quick Fire Fab®, and oakleaf hydrangeas, such as Gatsby® Moon, will grow strongly and bloom profusely in the same year. For these varieties, remove 1/3 of their height during normal pruning. However, if they become too large, you can prune them back to 1/3 of their height to make them compact again.
Ball hydrangeas such as Flair & Flavours® Sweet Cupcake and panicle hydrangeas such as Flair & Flavours® Strawberry ‘n Cream can also tolerate heavy pruning if they become too large. Keep in mind that they will not flower that year. The following year, they will flower all the more profusely.
A smaller replacement
Prefer a more compact hydrangea? Then choose a smaller variety, such as the panicle hydrangea Little Lime® Punch, the wild hydrangea BellaRagazza® Limetta or the panicle hydrangea Flair & Flavours® Frozen Smoothie. These compact beauties bloom just as profusely and are just as charming as their larger relatives.
