Plant Profile: Potted Hydrangeas

Scientific Name: Hydrangea macrophylla
Common Names: Hydrangea, Bigleaf Hydrangea, Mophead Hydrangea
Native to: Japan and Korea

Potted Hydrangeas are a timeless favourite, loved for their large, ball-shaped clusters of flowers in shades of pink, blue, purple, or white. With their lush foliage and vibrant blooms, they make stunning gifts and long-lasting decorative plants indoors or out. Hydrangeas are known for their unique ability to change flower colour depending on soil pH — acidic soils bring out blues, while alkaline soils produce pink tones.

🌱 Care Instructions

• Watering: Frequent – Hydrangeas are thirsty plants and need soil that stays consistently moist (but not soggy). In warmer months, daily watering may be necessary. Always check the top layer of soil and water when it feels dry.

• Sunlight: Moderate to Full – Potted hydrangeas thrive in bright, indirect light indoors or partial sun outdoors. Avoid harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the delicate blooms.

• Growth: Moderate – Grows steadily and can reach 60–120 cm tall in pots, with blooms lasting through spring and summer. Repot annually or when root-bound.

Extra Tips

• Remove spent flowers (deadheading) to encourage new blooms.

• Fertilise every 2–3 weeks during the growing season with a hydrangea-specific fertiliser to support healthy growth and vibrant flowers.

• Keep indoors temporarily for display, but move outside long-term for best results, as hydrangeas prefer fresh air and seasonal changes.

• Hydrangea flower colour can be adjusted with soil amendments: add aluminium sulphate for blue, lime for pink.

• Sensitive to heat — in hot weather, provide afternoon shade and ensure consistent watering.