Fall is the Ideal Time to Plant Hydrangeas—Here’s How to Take Care of Them

Spring is usually the time to plant hydrangeas and other plants, but fall can be a good time too. It might be the best time to add a hydrangea or two to your garden for more flowers next season.

Hydrangeas are a popular choice for gardens, but there are simple tips to help them grow better. Here’s how to pick and care for your next hydrangea plant.

Hydrangeas grow best when planted in the fall.

Spring might seem like the best time to plant hydrangeas, but planting them in early fall gives the plant time to settle into your garden and grow roots before spring. This way, you might get more blooms than if you plant in spring. It's also easier on the plant since it’s getting ready for winter and won't be as stressed by the move to your garden.

Hydrangeas need sunlight.

They may seem like a shade plant, but they actually need some sun to grow well. "They are not shade plants," Ballato says. "They can tolerate shade, but too little sun means fewer flowers."

Plant your hydrangea where it gets four to six hours of sunlight each day for the best growth and more blooms.

Hydrangea flowers change color as the season goes on.

"Most hydrangea blooms change color as they age, even if soil pH doesn’t affect them," says Tamony. "Make sure you like the mature bloom color as much as the new flowers."

Before buying a new hydrangea, check the variety to see how the blooms change color during the season. This way, you’ll know if you like all the colors they turn. (Bonus: You can change your garden's look for fall by planting late-season companion plants that match your hydrangea's fall colors.)

It might be difficult to change the color of your hydrangea.

You may have heard that changing the pH of your soil can change the color of your hydrangea. It’s not just about adding aluminum sulfate for bluer flowers or garden lime for pink ones. Some types, like Limelight and white hydrangeas, won’t change color no matter what you put in the soil, says Tamony.

If you want to change your hydrangea's color, follow the instructions on the package. Don’t use too much. Soil that is too acidic or alkaline is not good for the plant. Tamony suggests planting the hydrangea in a pot. It’s easier to control the soil pH, and it won’t affect other plants.

It's important to know the type of hydrangea you have.

General hydrangea care tips can help most hydrangeas thrive in your garden, but Ballato says knowing the specific variety is the "key to success." This allows you to adjust care, like watering and feeding, to meet the plant's unique needs.

You shouldn't give your hydrangea too much attention.

You want to take care of your hydrangea by giving it enough water, fertilizer, and good soil, but it doesn't need constant attention. Overdoing it can actually harm the plant, especially the flowers. "Too much water and fertilizer can make the plant grow lots of leaves but fewer blooms," says Tamony. "A good rule is to use a balanced fertilizer in early spring."