How to Care for Hydrangeas: A Variety-by-Variety Guide

Your complete summer guide on how to care for hydrangeas — based on their variety. No more guesswork, just gorgeous blooms.

I adore hydrangeas. They’re timeless, have plenty of wow factor, and full of nostalgia—like the garden version of a linen dress passed down from your grandmother. But despite their popularity, hydrangeas can be fussy if you don’t know what kind you’re dealing with.

Whether you’re eyeing a big, showy Incrediball or those pretty pink mopheads, this guide on how to care for hydrangeas will help you care based on their variety, because yes, it matters!!

How to Identify Your Hydrangea Variety

Hydrangeas aren’t one-size-fits-all. Before anything else, figure out what type you have. Here are the most common:

1. Hydrangea arborescens (e.g. Incrediball, Annabelle)
2. Hydrangea macrophylla (e.g. Endless Summer, mophead, lacecapHydrangea paniculata (e.g. Limelight, Pinky Winky)
3. Hydrangea quercifolia (e.g. Oakleaf)

How to Care for Hydrangeas by Type

Each variety grows, blooms, and responds to pruning differently. Let’s break it down. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about how to care for hydrangeas, organized by type.

How to Care for Incrediball Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens)

Big, bold blooms with stronger stems

• Blooms on: New wood (you can prune in spring)
• Deadheading: Yes. Won’t rebloom, but tidies the plant and relieves weight
• Watering: Deeply two to three times per week
• Pruning tip: Cut back hard in early spring to 12–18 inches to encourage strong upright growth
• Sun needs: Full sun to part shade
• Bonus: Add mulch around the base to lock in moisture and reduce stem flop
  

How to Care for Mophead & Endless Summer Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla)

Classic pink, blue or purple blooms depending on soil

• Blooms on: Old and new wood (avoid heavy pruning)
• Deadheading: Yes—encourages reblooming throughout summer
• Watering: Consistent deep watering is key
• Pruning tip: Only remove dead stems in early spring
• Color tip: Add aluminum sulfate for blue blooms, garden lime for pink (more on that here)
  

How to Care for Limelight & Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata)

Tapered cone-shaped blooms, often white to blush pink

• Blooms on: New wood
• Deadheading: Optional—mainly for tidiness
• Watering: Once established, fairly drought-tolerant
• Pruning tip: Prune in late winter or early spring for shape
• Sun needs: Full sun
  

How to Care for Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia)

Unique foliage and four-season beauty

• Blooms on: Old wood
• Deadheading: Optional—leave for fall interest if you love the look
• Watering: Moist, well-drained soil
• Pruning tip: Minimal pruning, and only after flowering
• Bonus: Gorgeous red and bronze fall foliage
  

Essential Hydrangea Care Tips for All Varieties

Things to remember that apply to all types:

• Water deeply, not frequently. Hydrangeas love a good soak.
• Morning watering is best. It prevents disease and wilting.
• Mulch is your friend. It retains moisture and suppresses weeds.
• Fertilize sparingly. A light spring feed with a balanced 10-10-10 is plenty.
  

Should You Deadhead Hydrangeas? Here’s When and Why

In most cases—yes…..
Deadheading keeps your garden looking fresh and can encourage reblooming in some varieties (like Endless Summer). Just snip the spent flower just above a set of healthy leaves. Note that not all hydrangeas will re-bloom once deadheaded.

Final Thoughts: Growing Happy, Healthy Hydrangeas

Now you how to care for hydrangeas! Hydrangeas aren’t high-maintenance once you understand their rhythm, they just want what we all do: a little love, deep hydration, and the right kind of attention. Save this guide for your next garden centre trip or backyard planting session.

Have a favourite hydrangea variety? I’d love to know! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram with your blooming beauties.

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