Question
Hello,
I was wondering if you can help me with my hydrangers  - I love them, but they always end up dying on me? How are they supposed to be treated? Is there anyway I can save my 'fighting for life' plants?

thank you
Caroline

Answer
Hi Caroline
Where do you live?  I am assuming that your hydrangea is outdoors.  
The hydrangea takes large amounts of water-the word "hydrangea" means 'water' in Greek.  They should be planted in a very rich soil that retains moisture, you can try adding compost to the potting soil.  They grow best in partial to full sunlight.  Fertilize in the spring time with a all purpose flowering fertilizer.
Hydrangea's flower on the tips of new growth.  You can remove any stems that have already had blooms on them to encourage new growth to make the plant fuller.  You should remove the flower as soon as it dies off so the plant can concentrate its energy on new growth.
I have never grown a hydrangea myself.  I understand that they are not easy to grow outside of the Texas, Florida area unless you have a greenhouse.

All I can suggest is that maybe try repotting the plants into a richer soil and make sure they get plenty of good light.  If you need to, you can cut the plant all the way to the ground in the late fall-it should regrow quickly.

Caroline, I hope this has helped-I know how it is when you love a certain type of plant and have a hard time growing it.  I am that way with orchids.  I keep trying though, which what I suggest with you.

Good Luck!

Leslie