Hydrangeas are the showstoppers of the garden world. With their bold blooms and lush green leaves, it’s easy to see why they’re so loved. But while they may look low-effort, hydrangeas thrive when you follow a few seasonal care tips.
Here’s how to care for hydrangeas all year round—whether you’re growing them in the ground or in pots.
🌞 Summer (December – February)
What’s happening:
Hydrangeas are in full bloom during summer. This is their time to shine.
Care tips:
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Water deeply 2–3 times per week in hot weather. Keep the soil moist, not soggy.
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Mulch around the base to lock in moisture and keep the roots cool.
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Deadhead spent flowers to tidy the plant and encourage more blooms.
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Protect from harsh sun if needed—especially in hotter parts of Australia.
✅ Best spot: Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal for most varieties.
🍂 Autumn (March – May)
What’s happening:
Blooms start fading, and the plant begins preparing for its dormant phase.
Care tips:
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Reduce watering as temperatures drop.
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Stop fertilising to avoid triggering new growth before winter.
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Don’t prune yet—especially for varieties that flower on old wood.
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Leave dried flower heads for added winter texture (optional).
🌸 Want to change bloom colour?
Now’s the time to adjust your soil pH:
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For pink blooms, add lime.
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For blue blooms, add aluminium sulfate.
❄️ Winter (June – August)
What’s happening:
Hydrangeas go dormant. Most will lose their leaves—this is normal.
Care tips:
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Prune in late winter, just before new growth starts.
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Macrophylla types (mophead/lacecap) – light prune only.
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Paniculata and arborescens – can be pruned harder (they bloom on new wood).
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Clean up fallen leaves and spent mulch to avoid pests.
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Check for rot or fungus in overly damp areas.
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Cover young plants if you’re in a frost-prone area.
✂️ Reminder: Not all hydrangeas need pruning every year. You can skip it if your plant is healthy and full.
🌱 Spring (September – November)
What’s happening:
Hydrangeas wake up! Buds appear, leaves sprout, and growth kicks off.
Care tips:
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Feed with a slow-release fertiliser designed for flowering plants.
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Resume regular watering as days warm up.
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Watch for pests like snails, slugs, and aphids on new shoots.
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Reapply mulch to help retain moisture for summer.
💡 No flowers last year? Check if you pruned at the wrong time or if your plant lacked sun or nutrients.
General Hydrangea Care Tips
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Sunlight:
Most hydrangeas prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, but some can handle full sun in cooler climates. -
Soil:
They love rich, well-draining soil. Add compost to improve poor or sandy soil. -
Container growing:
Hydrangeas grow well in large pots—just remember to water more frequently.
Final Thoughts
Once you learn their seasonal rhythm, hydrangeas are actually quite easy to care for. With a little love throughout the year, they’ll reward you with stunning blooms and lush foliage year after year.
Want to shop hydrangeas or get expert planting tips? Browse our collection online or reach out to our team for personalised advice.