Hydrangea Care: Fertilizer, Soil pH, and Pruning Guidelines

Hydrangeas need minimal fertilizer if soil is moderately fertile. Blue flowers require acidic soil (pH 5.0-5.5)—add aluminum sulfate. Pink flowers need alkaline (pH 6.0-6.5)—add lime. White varieties unaffected.

Pruning depends on type: Bigleaf (macrophylla)—prune after flowering (old wood bloomers). Panicle (paniculata) and Smooth (arborescens)—prune late winter (new wood bloomers). Oakleaf—minimal pruning after bloom.

Winter protection (northern zones): mulch base, wrap with burlap if exposed. Southern zones: no special care. Local Ag Extension gives region-specific timing.

HelpfulGardener.com has detailed hydrangea guides. Identify your type first—care varies significantly.