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TürkçeHydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla · Tree/Shrub
A deciduous shrub with large, rounded flower heads from early summer into autumn. In bigleaf types the soil decides the color: acidic soil leans blue, alkaline soil leans pink. It likes morning sun, afternoon shade and plenty of water.
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💧WaterDeep watering 1–2 times a week, more in heat (estimated)
☀️LightMorning sun, afternoon shade
🐾PetsToxic to pets
Care at a glance
- Light
- Morning sun, afternoon shade; 4–6 hours
- Water
- About 1 in per week, more in heat; wilts quickly when dry
- Soil
- Rich, moist but well-drained; pH changes flower color
- Temperature
- Hardy to about 0 °F depending on variety (estimated); dislikes hot dry sites
- Spacing
- 3–6 ft between plants, depending on variety
- Container
- At least 10 gallons, 18 in wide, for compact types
- Bloom
- Blooms early summer to autumn
- Lifespan
- Perennial shrub; decades
When?
Plant in spring or early autumn, when the weather is mild and rain is likely. Avoid planting in the heat of summer. Prune bigleaf types right after flowering, not in spring (estimated).
Step by step
- Choose a spot with morning sun and shelter from hot afternoon sun.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth as in the pot.
- Water deeply after planting and keep the soil moist through the first summer.
- Mulch with 2–3 in of bark or compost to hold moisture.
- Feed lightly in spring; heavy feeding gives leaves rather than flowers.
- For bigleaf types, remove spent flower heads and only thin old stems after flowering, since next year's buds form on this year's wood.
- To shift color, adjust soil pH gradually with garden products made for that purpose.
Common problems
Wilting in afternoon heatNormal on hot days if it recovers by evening; if not, water deeply and add mulch.
No flowersPruned at the wrong time or buds killed by frost; prune right after flowering.
Yellow leaves with green veinsIron shortage, often in alkaline soil; lower pH gradually.
Gray powder on leavesPowdery mildew; improve airflow and avoid evening watering.
Pets
Toxic to cats and dogs. Eating leaves or flowers may cause vomiting and diarrhea. Keep pets from chewing it; if your pet has eaten some, contact your vet.
Similar plants
Sources
This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.