Spring is here, which means the garden is starting to wake up. And with that change in weather comes some work that needs to be done in the garden!
So, we’ve put together a simple spring gardening checklist to help you succeed in the garden this spring and for your Endless Summer® Hydrangeas to succeed all season long.
If you have a hydrangea that you want to transplant, early spring, when the plant is still dormant, is the time to do so. Keep watch on your soil. As soon as it’s soft enough to dig in, you can transplant your hydrangeas. Watch the How to Transplant Hydrangeas episode of Garden Gab™ for tips to follow this spring.
Did you add any protective mulch last fall or winter to help your hydrangeas stay warm over the cold winter months? If so, spring is the time to remove that mulch. You’ll want to wait until you’re past the last hard frost in your area to do so, so keep your eye on the local weather.
If you’re working with container hydrangeas that you protected for winter, the same rules apply. Remove any winter protection in spring, and if you moved the container inside an unheated garage or shed, move it back outside to its home in the landscape after the last frost.
Endless Summer® Hydrangeas need little to no pruning throughout the year. However, if you do need to, spring is the time of year to get those pruners out. Wait to prune until you start to see new growth on the stem.
As Endless Summer® Hydrangeas bloom on both old and new wood, you need to be careful where you prune so you don’t accidentally remove some early-season blooms. If the buds are brown and crunchy, you can prune those, but don’t if they’re green and soft. Review the best spring pruning practices by following the instructions laid out in this video.
Hydrangeas thrive when fertilizer is applied in spring. Wait to apply the fertilizer until you start seeing green leafy growth along the stems or the base of the plant. We recommend using a granular, slow-release fertilizer with a high percentage of phosphorus, which is the middle number in the NPK ratio.
Make sure to follow the package instructions for how much fertilizer to apply. If you over-apply fertilizer, you’ll see tons of leafy greens but a fewer number of blooms, and we’re all in it for the blooms. To see how to do this, watch this episode of Garden Gab™ dedicated to fertilizer and soil amendments.
When the weather starts to warm up, you will want to remember to check whether your hydrangeas need water regularly. While hydrangeas love water, they don’t love overwatering, so it’s important always to check the soil before you give them any water.
Your hydrangeas will most likely not need as much water in the spring as they do in the heat of summer, but a simple check if the soil is damp or dry will let you know what your specific hydrangeas need. If the soil is wet, there is no need to water.
If the soil is dry, give them a soak at the base of the shrub. It’s also important to note that hydrangeas in the landscape and those planted in containers require slightly different care. Make sure to review our tips on how to water container hydrangeas before diving in.
They don’t say “spring cleaning” for nothing! While you’re busy cleaning out the house in spring, bring that same energy out to your gardens. Remove any dead branches or leaves that have fallen around your hydrangeas and other landscape plants. Like those who prefer to work with a clean workspace, hydrangeas thrive when they have a clean area to grow.
Take a walk around your landscape this spring and locate areas of opportunity for new gardens and new plants. Make a note of those areas, come up with a garden design plan, and write a list of plants to find at your local garden center. Maybe this is the year to pick up that Summer Crush® to plant in a container at your entry, or it’s time you beautify your fence line with a hedge of The Original. Now is the time to get inspired and take action!
After a long winter, it’s not surprising if you’re ready to dig in the dirt! Once you have your new Endless Summer® in hand, it’s time to get planting. Spring is a great time to plant new hydrangeas in the landscape or decorative containers as it provides them an entire season to get settled into their new home before the cold winter weather returns. Follow all of the tips and guidelines in our Hydrangea Planting & Care guide when you get to this stage.
And, last but not least, have fun! There are few things in life as rewarding as a good day spent out in the garden. So, take some time when crossing these off your spring gardening checklist to have some fun. If you ever get stuck or need some help, reach out, and we’ll be more than glad to help. Happy spring and happy planting!
For even more tips and tricks, be sure to follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter. Shop the Endless Summer® collection online during our shipping season or utilize our Find a Retailer tool to locate Endless Summer® hydrangeas near you.
