From our perspective, the Southern US climate is a double-edged sword. We adore the long, warm growing season that allows for robust leaf production and energy storage. However, the intense, often relentless afternoon sun can be quite stressful for us, causing our large, beautiful leaves to scorch, wilt, and lose their vibrancy. We much prefer a location where we are protected from the harshest rays of the day. A spot with morning sun and afternoon dappled shade is perfect, as it provides the light we need to photosynthesize without the damaging heat stress. This is our prime real estate.
Our roots are particular about their home. We absolutely thrive in rich, well-draining soil that is packed with organic matter. Waterlogged, heavy clay is our nemesis, as it suffocates our roots and leads to fatal rot. Amending the planting site with generous amounts of compost, leaf mold, or well-rotted manure makes us deeply happy. Furthermore, we have a specific pH preference; we are acid-loving plants. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (between 5.5 and 6.5) is ideal. This acidity is crucial because it allows our roots to properly absorb aluminum from the soil, which is the element responsible for producing those stunning blue and purple blooms you admire.
Our name, Hydrangea, comes from the Greek for "water vessel," which is a strong hint about our needs. We have shallow, fibrous root systems that dry out quickly, especially under the Southern sun. Consistent moisture is the key to our success. We desire soil that is kept evenly moist, like a well-wrung-out sponge, but never soggy. A deep, thorough watering that reaches our entire root zone is far better than a frequent light sprinkling. A generous layer of organic mulch (like pine straw or bark chips) around our base is immensely appreciated. It helps conserve that precious moisture, keeps our roots cool, and continually enriches the soil as it breaks down.
Please understand our flowering habit before you approach us with shears. We form our beautiful, conical flower buds in late summer on the growth from the current season. This is a critical piece of information. If you prune us in the fall or early spring, you will be cutting off our potential for summer blooms. The best time for any pruning is immediately after our flowers fade in the mid-to-late summer. At this point, you can deadhead the spent blooms and, if necessary, remove any dead or crossing branches to improve our shape and air circulation. We do not require heavy pruning to flower; simply letting us grow in our natural, elegant form is often the best approach.
While we are generally hardy in the South, a sudden, deep freeze can sometimes damage the flower buds on our outer branches. The mulch that helps you in the summer also serves as a protective blanket for our roots in the winter. In regions where temperatures occasionally dip very low, an extra layer of mulch applied after the first hard freeze can provide added security. Come spring, we will reward you with a flush of new, velvety growth that emerges a beautiful bronze-green before maturing to deep green, setting the stage for another spectacular performance.
