menu

The ultimate summer guide for your hydrangea

4373 hydrangea serr. flair flavours blueberry cheesecake mak20 7 pw

Back to overview

The ultimate summer guide for your hydrangea

It's the height of summer – the time when hydrangeas are at their most beautiful. With their exuberant flowers, long flowering period and versatility, it's no surprise that they are a favourite among gardening enthusiasts. But how do you keep them looking their best during the hot days? With these care tips, you can give your hydrangeas everything they need.

Sun or shade? How to choose the best spot

Give your hydrangea a spot with morning sun and shade later in the day. Too much bright sun can cause burnt leaves and/or flowers. A slightly sheltered spot works best.

Watering, especially during hot days

Hydrangeas have shallow roots and like moist soil. During dry periods, it is better to water thoroughly once or twice a week than a little every day. Spray close to the ground, preferably not on the leaves. Is your hydrangea in a pot? Check every other day to see if the soil is still moist. Dry? Water it! 

Heat plan for hot summers

When temperatures are high, it is important that the soil around your hydrangea does not dry out. A layer of mulch, such as wood chips, compost or leaves, helps with this: it retains moisture, protects the roots from the heat and ensures an even temperature in the soil. 
In extreme heat, provide young plants with extra shade using a cloth or parasol, especially during the hottest part of the day.

Top tip: Some hydrangeas are more resistant to drought and heat than others. Proven Winners® also tests for drought resistance and has found that Pink Annabelle®, Sublime Annabelle®, Little Lime and Lime Light Prime®, among others, are good at withstanding heat and drought. Flair & Flavours® Blueberry Cheesecake, Cotton Candy & Frozen Smoothie and the Gatsby® varieties are also good at withstanding these conditions. 

 

Extra summer tips

  • Collect rainwater for watering. It is softer than tap water, which hydrangeas love. 
  • Mix compost or coconut fibre into the soil to retain moisture longer. 
  • And: hold off on pruning or transplanting for now. It is better to do this in spring or autumn.

Related blogs

spiraea x double play big bang tracy 1 3e cut out proven winners
Autumn, Gardening tips
Late summer gardening tips: how to prepare your garden for autumn and spring
Late summer brings a unique atmosphere to the garden: warm days alternate with crisp mornings and the first autumn colours appear. This is the perfect time to take a moment to reflect on your garden: enjoy what is still blooming, but also look ahead. With these five gardening tips, you can give your garden a boost for now and later.
Read more
hydrangea paniculata quick fire fab smnhpm 9.1 proven winners
Hydrangea
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.
Read more
abelia mos. sweet emotion smnamds 2 proven winners flower foliage
Inspiration, Autumn
Yes, autumn is here!
The days are getting shorter and the sunlight takes on that special warm glow. The garden is slowly starting to get ready for the approaching autumn. Many plants are getting past their prime and the summer bloomers are putting on their last show. Yet this does not have to mean that it is done with colour in your garden. On the contrary, in autumn you can still expect a great show of colour from plants that are at their best in September and October. These are our favourite shrubs for autumn.
Read more
hypericum kalm. sunny boulevard deppe 11 proven winners
Inspiration, Pollinator friendly
Bee and butterfly charmers: our top five hidden gems
Do you also enjoy the fluttering of butterflies and the cosy hum of bees in your garden? They are not only beautiful to see but also essential for biodiversity. To make your garden bee- and butterfly-friendly there are well-known shrubs like the butterfly bush, ivy and lavender. But there are also beautiful, lesser-known shrubs that attract many butterflies, bees and other insects. We introduce you to our five favourite, lesser-known gems.
Read more
caryopteris x clan. beyond midnight ct 9 12 1e proven winners
Inspiration, Tips & tricks, Pollinator friendly
Turn your garden into a sweet shop for bees and butterflies!
Bees and butterflies are super important. Did you know that without these pollinators, there would be far fewer fruits and vegetables in the shops? So we should spoil them a bit! We will give you some ideas to make your garden bee- and butterfly-friendly and tell you which plants are real magnets for these useful insects.
Read more
valkplant showtuin winter 5
Inspiration, Winter, Gardening tips
Prepare your garden for winter: 5 tips for a healthy and wildlife-friendly winter garden
November is the perfect month to prepare your garden for winter. With a few smart adjustments, you will not only protect your plants, but also provide a nice shelter for wildlife such as birds, hedgehogs and insects. And plant evergreen and winter flowering shrubs this month, for a garden that brings colour all year round. With these five tips, your garden will stay healthy, colourful and full of life, even in the cold winter months.
Read more