There is something about hydrangeas that I have always loved. They have been on my radar from an early age. We had a long row planted along the driveway of my childhood home. I remember each year my dad would get into trouble (from mum!) for pruning them to a wooden stump. But sure enough, each spring they would bounce back in a spectacular display of blues and mauves. Hydrangeas feature in so many of the beautiful Hamptons gardens that are on my Glorious Gardens Pinterest board.
I am definitely no green thumb, so have sought advice from Mark of VDB Gardens on how to grow happy hydrangeas. We were so thrilled with Mark’s design and maintenance of our previous garden. He will be constructing our new garden which I am excited to say includes hydrangeas (Annabelle variety).
Tip 1:
Hydrangeas don’t have to be pruned. Try and choose a variety that won’t grow too large for the garden space.
Hydrangeas en masse provide a beautiful display of colour. I love these blues against the white house.
One of my favourite images is this pathway of hydrangeas. It looks so inviting.
Tip 2:
When pruning, remove any dead or old wood back to ground level.
I love the idea of hydrangeas along a boundary.
Tip 3:
If you are nervous about pruning, select the ‘Snowball’ or ‘Annabelle’ variety that produce blooms every year, regardless of pruning technique.
Tip 4:
For shade loving varieties, ensure they are protected from the afternoon sun. Hydrangeas in pots will need daily water in the warmer months.
Tip 5:
Hydrangeas love lime, so when fertilising, put a handful of sulfurated potash, some blood and bone and a handful of lime to encourage large blooms. It’s best to fertilise early autumn before dormancy, and then in early spring and summer.
Hydrangeas are the perfect plant choice for softening a large retaining wall.
They are one of my favourite flowers to decorate with too. Their abundant blooms are easy to style in a vase or jug.
Tip 6:
Mark’s final tip is don’t forget your local nursery for any specific questions about growing or pruning hydrangeas.
Mark included the Hydrangea ‘White Ball’ variety along our new house. Still in their early stages but looking forward to a beautiful thick row of them in the next couple of years.
