Hydrangeas Are Having a Big Year—Here’s What to Know

In case you didn’t know, hydrangeas are having a great year. Across the Northeast, you’ll see bigger and better hydrangea blooms this summer. But why exactly? And how can you make sure yours look as great as your neighbor’s?

We’ve got you covered. Read on to learn more about what conditions make hydrangeas so spectacular this year and how to make yours look even better.

Why are hydrangeas blooming more beautifully this year?

The reason hydrangeas are looking better than usual this year is because of the weather and climate we’ve been experiencing over the winter.

While this winter hasn’t been exactly a white wonderland, it has created the perfect habitat for hydrangeas to thrive. The lack of snow and freezing temperatures has allowed hydrangea buds to last longer and bloom later than usual in the summer.

Another reason these beautiful flowers keep growing? The amount of rain in the Northeast last summer and fall. This ensures the perfect soil for hydrangeas to last longer and bloom even more brightly.

Hydrangeas are hardy plants, so it’s no wonder they have their time to shine this year.

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How to help your hydrangeas bloom more?

These lovely gems love moist soil. To ensure your soil is adequately moist, be sure to water your hydrangeas deeply several times a week. And remember, don’t water the flowers, just the soil at the base of the plant. This will also encourage root growth.

Another way to help your colorful hydrangeas thrive is to keep them out of direct sunlight. They like shade, but not full sun. Too much sun will cause the flowers to droop and fall off.

More Tips and Tricks for Your Hydrangeas This Season

One really important thing to remember is to make sure your soil doesn’t get soggy. Make sure your soil has good drainage, as soggy soil will cause your plants’ roots to slowly rot. Adding plenty of mulch near your hydrangeas will also ensure that the soil stays moist and cool.

If you find your hydrangeas wilting more than they grow, try watering them early in the morning between 6am and 10am, before the sun is at its hottest. You can also use something like garden tape to support the stems of your hydrangeas so they don’t wilt or fall over. If you have them in a sunny spot, you may want to move them to a spot in your yard that gets a little more shade.

Finally, if you find some of your blooms turning brown or becoming brittle and dry, simply prune away the dying branches or stems to ensure your blooms stay healthy and lush. Say hello to the blue, pink and purple hues of hydrangeas this summer and say goodbye to those sad, wilted blooms.