When to plant Hydrangea?

Hydrangeas thrive in partial or full shade, making them ideal for north-facing borders or spots beneath deciduous trees where they receive dappled light. Avoid hot, sunny positions, which scorch the leaves and stress the plant. They need moisture-retentive soil, so loam or peat-based soils are perfect; if your ground is sandy or free-draining, dig in plenty of well-rotted compost or leaf mould before planting to improve water retention. Plant container-grown hydrangeas between March and May or in September and October. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and roughly the same depth. Tease out any circling roots gently, then position the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil—planting too deep can lead to rot. Backfill with the excavated soil mixed with compost, firming gently as you go to eliminate air pockets. Space plants 120 cm apart to allow for their mature spread of 100–200 cm. After planting, water thoroughly and apply a 5–8 cm layer of organic mulch such as composted bark or leaf mould around the base, keeping it clear of the stems. This conserves moisture and suppresses weeds. Water regularly through the first growing season to help roots establish, especially during dry spells. If planting in autumn, the cooler, wetter weather will do much of the work for you, but spring-planted hydrangeas need closer attention until their roots have spread. Staking is not usually necessary unless your site is very exposed to wind.