Little Lime Hydrangea (Tree Form)

Planting & Care for Hydrangeas

Preparation

• These shrubs need damp soil high in organic matter.
• Improve poor soil areas by digging in plenty of well-decayed manure or compost a few month ahead of planting
• Hydrangeas can be planted March-November.
• Pick a spot that has dappled sunlight or morning sun and afternoon shade.
• Make sure they are sheltered from frosty winds, which will damage blossoms.

Opening Plant Material

• Completely saturate all container plants by putting in a larger container of water until stops bubbling, then remove the plant from the container. 

Planting

• Hydrangeas can be planted March-November. 
• Dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container and 6" or more wider on the sides.
• Slide plant from pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot.
• With shovel or knife trim bottom 2" off of the root ball for plants in plastic containers.
• Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
• Place the root ball in the hole.
• Adjust the plant height so the root crown is slightly higher than the ground.
• Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer
• Backfill the hole with soil, making sure the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
• Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.
• Water frequently when newly planted. 
• Mulch plants with well-rotted organic matter after planting. 

Pruning - After Planting

• Although it is not essential for container plants to be pruned after planting, a light pruning to remove any broken branches during shipment and improve shape will help the looks of your new planting.

Pruning - Through-out the Season

• Hydrangeas should be pruned after the spring bloom.
• With hydrangeas there are several different types and with that comes different pruning tips. 
• Hydrangea macrophylla - Cut off spent flowers in spring and remove crowding shoots.
• Hydrangea paniculata - Prune stems to within two buds of the base in late March.
• Hydrangea petiolaris - Cut out unwanted shoots when flowers fade.
• Hydrangea villosa - Remove a third of older stems in spring. 

Watering - After Planting

• Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
• Beyond the 6 week establishment period, water once per week, unless rains occur.
• Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

Watering - Through-out the Season

• After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
• How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it is dry, give it a good soaking with the hose end (no nozzle) watering the soil only, not the leaves.
• Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

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