Hydrangea: Blooms the Size of Your Head
Hydrangea macrophylla
Hydrangeas deliver oversized, soft flower heads in blues, pinks, purples, and whites. The famous color-shift trick — acidic soil for blue, alkaline for pink — still fascinates gardeners. Plant once, enjoy for decades.
Sun
Part sun
Water
High
Hardiness zones
5–9
Height
3–6 ft
Bloom time
Summer
Care & Growing Tips
Plant in morning sun with afternoon shade. Keep consistently moist — hydrangeas wilt dramatically in dry soil. For blue flowers, amend soil with aluminum sulfate. For pink, add garden lime. Prune depending on species — know whether yours blooms on old or new wood.
Companion Plants
Design your hydrangea garden
See hydrangea in your own yard before you plant. Upload a photo to Arden and visualize complete garden designs featuring hydrangea alongside companion plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 Why are my hydrangeas not blooming?
Usually one of: pruning at the wrong time, too much shade, late frost on buds, or excess nitrogen fertilizer. Check your cultivar's bloom-wood type and adjust.
Q2 How do I change hydrangea color?
Only bigleaf hydrangeas change color. Acidic soil (pH <6) gives blue; alkaline (pH >7) gives pink. Takes a full season to shift.
Q3 Why are my hydrangea leaves wilting even though I watered?
Hydrangeas wilt dramatically in afternoon heat even with moist soil — it's often cosmetic and they recover overnight. But persistent wilt after evening means real drought stress. Water deeply and mulch to retain moisture.