How to Plant Hydrangeas: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Hydrangeas are among the most beloved flowering shrubs in home gardens — and for good reason! With their large, colorful blooms and lush green foliage, they instantly elevate any space. Whether you're planting Endless Summer varieties or other classics, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about planting hydrangeas for big, healthy blooms.

Let’s dive in!

 1. Choose the Right Location

Hydrangeas love morning sun and afternoon shade. This balance helps them bloom beautifully without getting scorched by harsh afternoon heat.

Ideal light condition:

• Full sun in the morning

• Dappled or light shade in the afternoon

Air circulation matters too:Make sure you leave enough space between plants. For example, the Endless Summer Original can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall and wide. Crowded plants are more prone to disease.

2. Soil Preparation

Great blooms start with great soil!

Hydrangeas thrive in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy clay or too sandy, amend it for best results.

What to use:

 Garden Soil – basic topsoil for volume Triple Mix – a pre-mixed blend of compost, peat moss, and topsoil

 Recommended ratio:2 parts Garden Soil : 1 part Triple Mix(If your native soil is hard or

compacted, use 1:1)

 3. Step-by-Step: How to Plant Hydrangeas

Follow these simple steps to give your hydrangea the best start:

1. Dig a hole

   
   

   Slightly wider than the pot, and deep enough so the top of the root ball is level with the ground.

2. Loosen the roots

   
   

   If they’re compacted, gently tease them out with your fingers.

3. Place the plant

   
   

   Center it in the hole, upright.

4. Backfill with soil

   
   

   Mix your garden soil and triple mix, then fill in the hole and press gently.

5. Water thoroughly

   
   

   Water deeply right after planting to eliminate air pockets.

6. Optional: Add fertilizer

   
   

   A slow-release fertilizer can support growth, but don’t overdo it.

 4. When to Plant Hydrangeas

 Best seasons:

• Spring – when the soil is workable and there’s no more frost

• Fall – gives roots time to establish before winter

Both seasons offer mild temperatures and lower transplant stress.

 5. Bonus Tip: Want Blue or Pink Blooms?

Hydrangea flower color is influenced by soil pH:

• Acidic soil (pH < 6): Blue flowers

• Alkaline soil (pH > 7): Pink flowers

Adjust your soil pH with additives:

• Add aluminum sulfate for blue

• Add garden lime for pink

  
  

Planting hydrangeas doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right location, soil, and a little love, you’ll enjoy massive blooms from summer into fall.

Garden Tip:If you're in the Markham/GTA area, we can help you source high-quality garden soil, triple mix, and hydrangea varieties like Endless Summer, BloomStruck, or Limelight.

Have questions? Drop them in the comments or visit our garden center for advice!