Whenever hydrangea comes into season, it becomes one of my greatest pleasures to work with. There is something endlessly uplifting about its generous round blooms and the way it instantly softens a room. I have lived with hydrangeas for decades, both in the studio and at home, and I never tire of their beauty.
Despite their abundance and fullness, hydrangeas are sensitive. They respond quickly to heat, hydration, and handling, and I know many people feel intimidated by them as a result. My intention in writing this piece is to reassure you. Hydrangeas are not difficult; they simply respond best to care that is thoughtful and consistent.
I hope this guide gives you the confidence to enjoy hydrangeas throughout the season, whether you are growing them in your garden, displaying them at home, or styling them for a special occasion.
Understanding Hydrangeas
Over the years I have come to think of hydrangeas as living barometers. They tell you exactly how they’re feeling. When they’re happy, they are lush and full. When they’re stressed, they quietly droop or crisp at the edges.
Melbourne’s climate suits hydrangeas beautifully, particularly from late spring through early autumn. Mopheads and lacecaps are the most familiar varieties, and I adore both. Mopheads bring their signature round heads while lacecaps offer a lighter, more delicate silhouette.
One of hydrangea’s great charms is the way its colour can shift. Soil pH influences the hue: acidic soil tends towards blues, while alkaline soil leans pink. It means no two gardens produce identical hydrangeas, which I find quite poetic.
Planting Hydrangeas in Melbourne
When I planted hydrangeas at home, positioning was my first priority. Morning sun and afternoon shade suit them perfectly. Harsh afternoon light is simply too much for them in Melbourne. Dappled light all day works beautifully as well.
Hydrangeas love rich, moist, well-draining soil. If you are working with clay, a generous addition of compost or aged organic matter will make a remarkable difference. They adore moisture but dislike sitting in water, so drainage is essential.
In containers, premium potting mix is non-negotiable. Potted hydrangeas dry out faster, so they need more frequent watering, especially through summer.
Spacing matters too. Hydrangeas like room to breathe. Allowing airflow reduces the risk of fungal issues and encourages larger, more confident blooms.
My Daily and Weekly Care Routine
Hydrangeas thrive on routine. I check mine regularly, especially during warmer spells.
Watering
The name itself tells you what hydrangeas want. They flourish when their soil is consistently moist. Deep watering is far more effective than frequent light spritzing. Mulching helps immensely and keeps the soil cool.
Feeding
I feed my hydrangeas in early spring with a balanced fertiliser. It gives them exactly what they need before they begin their most active growth period. Too much nitrogen creates leafy plants with fewer blooms, so I avoid high-nitrogen feeds.
Managing Heat
Melbourne’s heat can be abrupt and unforgiving. I often add temporary shade on extreme days to prevent scorching. Even a few hours of intense sun can stress hydrangeas, so a little protection goes a long way.
Observing
Hydrangeas communicate clearly. A slight droop, yellowing leaves, or browning edges are early signals that something needs adjusting. Once you learn their language, they are surprisingly easy to care for.
Pruning and Seasonal Maintenance
Hydrangeas require a gentle hand when pruning. Many of the classic varieties bloom on old wood, meaning the buds develop on last season’s stems. Over-pruning is the most common reason for reduced flowering.
I simply remove spent blooms after flowering, cutting back to just above a healthy pair of buds. In late winter I remove any dead or damaged stems and tidy the plant lightly. Older plants benefit from a few stems removed at the base to encourage vitality.
Less is very often more.
Styling Hydrangeas Indoors
Styling hydrangeas is one of my favourite parts of working with them. They bring an immediate sense of luxury to any space.
Cutting
I always cut hydrangeas very early in the morning when they are at their most hydrated. I remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline to prevent bacteria developing in the vase.
Preparing the Vase
Hydrangeas appreciate clean water and a clean vase. They are sensitive to bacteria, so I change the water regularly and ensure stems are trimmed every few days.
Arranging
Massed hydrangeas create one of the most elegant arrangements you can place in a home. A handful of stems of the same tone has a sculptural quality. A single stem, placed simply, can also be surprisingly beautiful.
Hydrangeas dry particularly well. When the bloom has matured fully, I hang stems upside down in a cool, dark space. Their faded tones are stunning in autumn interiors.
Video: Kate Hill Demonstrates Hydrangea Care
In the video below, I demonstrate a simple and effective technique for keeping hydrangeas hydrated and looking beautifully fresh at home.
Reviving Wilted Hydrangeas
One of the questions I am asked most often is how to revive a wilted hydrangea. Fortunately, this is usually very easy.
My preferred method is the immersive dunking technique. Hydrangeas absorb water through their petals, so submerging the entire bloom in cool water for around thirty minutes often restores them completely.
If I am dealing with a particularly stubborn stem, I trim the end and place it in boiling water for a few seconds. This opens the stem and allows it to drink freely again.
These tricks often work wonders, especially after a warm trip home from the store.
Understanding Hydrangea Colour
I have always loved the natural shifts in hydrangea colour. Melbourne’s rainfall patterns and soil composition create gentle variations each year.
If you wish to influence colour, soil pH is the key. Aluminium sulphate encourages blue tones. Garden lime encourages pink. Changes occur gradually over seasons rather than overnight, so patience is essential.
I treat colour shifting as an art rather than a science. Hydrangeas tend to reward a light hand.
Common Problems and Solutions
In my experience, most hydrangea problems are easy to correct once identified.
Wilting
Usually caused by heat or thirst. Deep watering and shade correction help immediately.
Browning
Sunburn. Even a single afternoon of harsh sun can do it. Provide more protection on hot days.
Yellowing
Often a drainage issue. Improve soil structure or repot in better mix.
Sparse Blooms
Usually due to incorrect pruning or overly nitrogen-rich feeding. Adjust next season.
Hydrangeas ask for attention, but they rarely ask for much.
Hydrangeas in Weddings and Events
Hydrangeas have always held a special place in my wedding work. Their fullness makes them ideal for bridal bouquets and table pieces, and their soft presence lends elegance to large installations.
For Melbourne weddings, I take great care in planning hydration. Hydrangeas must be handled gently and conditioned well before they are placed in a bouquet or design. When treated correctly, they hold beautifully throughout the event and photograph exquisitely.
My Personal Tips
Over the years, these have become my non-negotiables:
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Cut hydrangeas early in the morning.
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Remove all leaves below the waterline.
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Keep vases impeccably clean.
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Refresh water often.
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Submerge wilting blooms in cool water.
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Keep hydrangeas away from heat sources and direct sun.
These small habits make a remarkable difference in longevity and appearance.
Conclusion
Hydrangeas are flowers of generosity. They offer more beauty than they ever ask for in return. With thoughtful planting, consistent care, and gentle handling, they remain one of the most rewarding flowers to live with.
Whether enjoyed in your garden or styled in your home, they bring a sense of softness and abundance that lifts any space. I hope this guide helps you feel confident and inspired to bring hydrangea into your life this season.
If you would like advice or premium hydrangea stems curated for your home, my team and I would be delighted to help.
Kate x
