Readers ask: What To Do With Florist Hydrangeas?

Can florist hydrangeas be planted outside?

Most florist hydrangeas are “cautiously hardy” in this zone and can be planted in your garden. As the weather gets warmer, slowly acclimate your plant to the outdoors. Gradually take the potted plant outdoors and place it in an area of partial sun, watering it regularly.

What to do with a hydrangea after it blooms?

If they are pruned in autumn, after flowering, the buds can freeze, killing the stems and their buds. Leaving the old flowers on the plant over winter, until the worst frosts are over, will help protect the stems and their new buds.

Can you plant store bought hydrangeas?

Most potted, gift hydrangeas fail to thrive because they’re kept indoors too long. Others die because they’ve been raised in a greenhouse, and even if planted outdoors, they’re not cold hardy in your part of the country. But hydrangeas can be great potted plants, if you make good choices.

How do you take care of store bought hydrangeas?

If hydrangea blooms start to prematurely wilt you can totally submerge them in a “bath” of water for about 45 minutes. Then recut and place the stems into boiling water and then back into a vase of fresh water. They should revive in a couple of hours and live another day or two.

Are florist hydrangeas Hardy?

While crown hardy to USDA Zone 6, florist’s hydrangeas cannot be expected to flower in your area (Illinois) without protection. Flowers are born on last year’s shoots, and these are often killed by cold winter temperatures.

Do Hydrangeas like sun or shade?

In general, for most hydrangeas except the panicle types, plan to give hydrangeas both sun and shade. Morning sun with afternoon shade works beautifully in the South and warmer regions. In these zones, afternoon sun sizzles and can easily fry hydrangeas.

What month do you prune hydrangeas?

When to prune hydrangeas. Most pruning is carried out in late winter or early spring. However, the climbing hydrangea is pruned after flowering in summer.

What happens if you don’t prune your hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas that bloom on old wood do not need pruning and are better off for it. If you leave them alone, they ‘ll bloom more profusely the next season. Just remember new growth may come, but that new growth will be without blooms next season.

What happens if you don’t deadhead hydrangeas?

No need to worry – this is simply a sign that it’s time to remove the flowers, a process called deadheading. When you deadhead hydrangeas, you aren’t harming the plants at all. Removing the spent blooms triggers flowering shrubs to stop producing seeds and instead put their energy toward root and foliage development.

Where is the best place to plant a hydrangea?

Where to plant hydrangeas:

• The best location is one that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
• Consider mature size, give it plenty of room to grow.
• Choose an area with excellent drainage.
• Don’t plant beneath a tree—the root competition and lack of sunlight will prevent them from thriving.

Are hydrangeas poisonous to dogs?

Dogs or cats that consume enough hydrangea leaves, flowers and/or buds can suffer from vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, hydrangea poisoning can cause lethargy, depression and confusion.

What is the best potting soil for hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas need well-draining soil to thrive, so select a high-quality, organic potting soil Bonus points if it has Myco-tone™ mycorrhizae, which uses 30 percent less water than other soils. 4. Plant with Power. If you want to grow blue hydrangeas, mix in Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier.

Will hydrangeas grow back if cut down?

You can take a more relaxed attitude about pruning if you have hydrangeas that set flower buds on current season wood, like panicle and smooth hydrangeas. Even if you cut canes back to ground level during dormancy, the shrubs will grow back and produce blooms in spring.

How do you perk up hydrangeas?

But hydrangeas are also one of the few plants that can draw moisture in through their florets, so it’s possible to perk up wilted blooms by completely submerging them in water and letting them sit for a few hours to rehydrate.

How do I get more blooms on my hydrangea?

How to Get More Smooth Hydrangea Flowers:

1. Plant smooth hydrangeas in full sun if the soil stays moist.
2. Water them during times of drought, especially during the heat of summer.
3. Amend the soil with organic matter (such as compost).
4. Prune stems back in early spring, just before new growth emerges.