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The beauty of hydrangeas is that you can actually plant them all year round, as long as it's not freezing! But to be honest: spring (March/April) or autumn (September/October) are the very best times. In this blog, we write extensively about the hydrangea and tell you everything you need to know to make these beautiful shrubs shine in your garden. When to plant hydrangeas for the best results? Actually, you can welcome hydrangeas into your garden all year round, as long as Jack Frost hasn't frozen the ground. However, there are two moments that are favorites at our nursery: spring and autumn. Planting in the autumn? Then the plant still has the residual heat of the summer in the soil to grow strong roots for the winter. Choosing spring, between March and May? Then you give the plant a flying start for the new growing season. Grower's tip: Make sure to place them in a spot where they aren't in the harsh midday sun all day; it makes the leaves a bit tired. When does the hydrangea bloom? The hydrangea is a true summer guest that takes over as soon as most spring bulbs have finished their flowering period. Most varieties start their spectacular show around June or July. The beauty of the hydrangea is that the bloom lasts incredibly long. You can often enjoy those large, colored flower heads deep into September or October. And did you know that even the faded flowers turn beautiful colors in the autumn? We often leave them in the autumn because they look very atmospheric in the garden with a layer of frost in the winter. Hydrangea care: Tips for a happy plant If there’s one thing that makes a hydrangea happy, it’s water. The official name isn’t Hydrangea for nothing—it literally means 'water vessel'! Here are our best tips: Drink plenty: Especially on hot summer days, your hydrangea gets thirsty. Preferably water them early in the morning or late in the evening, directly at the roots. Give them a little extra: A hydrangea grows and blooms vigorously, so a bit of organic fertilizer in the spring works wonders. Blue or pink?: Did you know you can control the color of some hydrangeas? In acidic soil they turn blue, and in alkaline (lime-rich) soil they turn pink. A fun experiment for the gardener! When should you prune hydrangeas? Pruning is easier than you think, as long as you look at the variety: Mophead/Lacecap Hydrangeas: Only prune these very lightly in March by cutting away the old flower heads just above the first fat bud. Panicle Hydrangeas or 'Annabelle': You can safely prune these back hard in early spring to about 20-30 centimeters above the ground. They bloom on 'new wood'. Step by step: Planting your hydrangea Planting a hydrangea is a rewarding task. Since they love fresh, moist soil, here is how we do it: Choose a spot in partial shade. They love the morning sun. Submerge the hydrangea, pot and all, in a bucket of water first. Dig a hole about twice the size of the pot. Mix the excavated soil with some acidic potting soil or specific hydrangea soil. Remove the plant from the pot and place it in the hole. Ensure the root ball is level with the ground surface. Fill the hole with soil, press lightly, and give it a generous soak immediately. Combining hydrangeas in the border Hydrangeas are true team players. Think of combinations with peonies, gladioli, and dahlias. Our golden tip: plant them behind your spring bulbs. When the tulips and daffodils have finished blooming, the hydrangea's large leaves take over and hide the dying foliage. Are you also getting started with dahlias? We previously wrote a blog about planting dahlias. Hydrangea in pots: Tips for patio and balcony Do you have a balcony or terrace? Don't worry, the hydrangea does fantastic in a pot: Choose a spacious pot: Always ensure there are holes in the bottom for drainage. Fresh nutrients: Use high-quality potting soil and perhaps clay pebbles (hydro granules) at the bottom of the pot. Compact varieties: For pots, we often recommend more compact varieties that stay sturdy and low-growing. Buying hydrangeas? Choose quality Ready to give your garden or patio that beautiful, full look? At Bulbs4you, we select our plants with the same care as our bulbs. Check out our assortment and order them today! Frequently asked questions about hydrangeas Why are my hydrangea leaves drooping? The hydrangea is a heavy drinker. On hot days, the leaves evaporate more water than the roots can supply. Give them a good soak at the roots immediately, and they will look fresh again quickly. Should I leave the faded flowers on in the winter? Yes! The old flower heads protect the new buds from frost and look beautiful with a layer of frost on them. Don't cut them away until March. My hydrangea is getting too big for its spot, what now? You can easily rejuvenate a hydrangea through 'renewal pruning'. Each year, cut about a third of the oldest branches deep to the ground. This way, within three years, you'll have a fresh shrub without missing a year of flowering.