At Ripley Nurseries here in the heart of Surrey, we’ve always had a soft spot for hydrangeas. With their stunning globe-shaped blooms and lush foliage, these classic shrubs bring colour and charm to any garden. Whether you're creating a cottage garden vibe or just want a reliable burst of colour through summer into autumn, hydrangeas are a beautiful and rewarding choice.
When to Plant Hydrangeas
The best time to plant hydrangeas is either in spring or autumn. In Surrey, late March to early May is ideal, once the soil has begun to warm. Alternatively, September to early November works well, giving roots time to establish before winter. Choose a spot with partial sun to dappled shade – hydrangeas don’t love harsh afternoon sun, but they do need a few hours of light daily to bloom well.
Top tip: Make sure the soil is moist, well-drained and rich in organic matter. If you’re working with Surrey clay, improve the structure with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
How to Care for Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are surprisingly easy-going once they’re established. Here are a few care tips straight from our nursery team:
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells – hydrangeas are thirsty plants and can wilt quickly if neglected.
- Apply a mulch of bark or compost in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Keep an eye on slugs and snails in spring – young shoots can be vulnerable.
- Avoid over-exposure to wind, which can damage the large blooms.
One of the most delightful things about hydrangeas is the way soil pH can affect bloom colour, especially in Hydrangea macrophylla varieties. Acidic soil gives blue flowers, while alkaline soil turns them pink. You can tweak the colour with soil amendments – ask us at Ripley Nurseries for advice on products like aluminium sulphate or garden lime.
When to Prune Hydrangeas
Pruning can seem tricky, but it’s all about timing and knowing your variety. At Ripley Nurseries, we divide pruning advice into these general guidelines:
- Hydrangea macrophylla (mophead and lacecap): Prune in late March or early April. Remove dead flower heads and cut back any dead or weak stems to the base. Avoid heavy pruning as next year’s blooms form on old wood.
- Hydrangea paniculata and arborescens: These bloom on new wood, so you can prune them more heavily in late winter to early spring.
- Climbing hydrangeas (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris): Prune after flowering in summer to keep shape.
Always use clean, sharp secateurs, and remember – don’t be too tidy. Leaving spent blooms over winter helps protect the buds beneath from frost.
The Best Feed for Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas benefit from a specialist feed high in potassium, such as those formulated for flowering shrubs. We recommend using specialist Hydrangea Feed or Miracle-Gro Azalea, Camellia & Rhododendron Feed, particularly for acid-loving varieties. Feed in early spring and again in midsummer for the best blooms.
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, as these can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
- Ripley Nurseries’ Top Tips for Thriving Hydrangeas
- Keep them hydrated – consistent watering is key.
- Mind the pH – if colour matters to you, test your soil and adjust accordingly.
- Prune with care – less is more, especially with mopheads.
- Mulch annually – it locks in moisture and gives roots a healthy boost.
- Don’t plant too deep – the crown should be at soil level.
Hydrangeas are a firm favourite for good reason. They offer a spectacular floral show, adapt well to different garden styles, and with just a little attention, they’ll thrive for many years. Whether you’re starting from scratch or reviving an old shrub, come and visit us at Ripley Nurseries – we have a wide selection of hydrangeas and everything you need to help them flourish.
Need advice or looking for the perfect variety for your garden? Pop into Ripley Nurseries or give us a ring – we’re always happy to help.
