How Often to Water Hydrangeas: Hydrangea Care Guide

Hydrangea that has been properly watered

How Often to Water Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are water-loving plants, but it’s important to give them the right amount to avoid root rot and fungal diseases. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how often to water a hydrangea, along with watering methods for the most success.

How Often to Water a Hydrangea – Quick Answer

Hydrangeas should be watered deeply 1-3 times a week. Some of this can be from rainfall, so test the soil two inches into the ground with your finger before watering again. If it’s dry, it’s time to water. If it’s damp, leave it for a couple more days. The water amount should equal approximately 1 inch per week.

How Often to Water Hydrangeas – In Depth

Your hydrangea’s age and growth stage determine how much water it needs. Freshly planted hydrangeas need to be watered right away and should get a lot of water over the following weeks. Mature plants typically require less water, usually only when it’s extra hot or dry out.

While all hydrangeas have similar needs, the type of hydrangea you have makes a difference in drought hardiness. Oakleaf and panicle hydrangeas tend to be more forgiving during dry spells, while bigleaf hydrangeas often wilt during extended droughts.

A young panicle hydrangea that needs plenty of water — *This recently planted panicle hydrangea will need a bit more water than normal in the coming weeks.*

Hydrangeas require much less water during their dormant winter period. Whatever they get from rain or snowfall is enough. They do need more frequent watering when they’re getting new growth in early spring and early summer.

Hydrangeas appreciate regular, deep, scheduled waterings. Make sure they get 1-3 thorough waterings a week, either from a rainstorm or by watering them fully at the base of their stems. This helps maintain consistent soil moisture and supports the root system.

Test the soil before watering. If it’s dry two inches or more down into the soil (you can check with your finger), it’s time to water again. Soil type plays a big role in how frequently you’ll need to water. For example, clay soil retains more water than sandy soil.

What About Potted Hydrangeas?

It’s often necessary to test and water container-grown hydrangeas every day, since they dry out much more quickly than in-ground hydrangeas. Give them a deep watering whenever even the top inch of soil (not two) is dry. You should water a container hydrangea until the excess water flows out of the drainage holes on the bottom.

How to Water Hydrangeas

Try not to get the leaves or blooms wet when watering. Wet leaves and blossoms encourage powdery mildew and other fungal infections. The best way is to water all around the base of the plant, not just on one side. You can use a watering can or regular hose, but it’s even better if you have a soaker hose or drip irrigation system. Make sure you’re providing just enough water, without letting excess water pool around the roots.

The best time to water is in the early morning, since it gives the hydrangea a chance to enjoy the water throughout the warm, sunny day to come. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day since high temperatures can lead to faster evaporation, making the watering less effective.

Watering Issues

If you have an overwatered or underwatered hydrangea, there are steps you can take to fix it. Here’s a full guide on identifying, helping, and preventing overwatered hydrangeas. Overwatered hydrangeas may suffer from root rot, while underwatered hydrangeas often have wilting, browning leaves and flowers. The cure for an underwatered hydrangea is a bit simpler—just water it!

To help maintain moist soil and prevent weeds, consider adding mulch made of organic matter like wood chips or peat moss. This is a good idea especially during the growing season and in extreme heat.

General Hydrangea Care Notes

– Offer Morning Sun and Afternoon Shade: Hydrangeas thrive with morning sun and afternoon shade. This helps prevent the leaves from getting scorched and reduces water loss due to evaporation.

– Check Soil Type and pH: Hydrangeas prefer well-draining soil. For bigleaf hydrangeas, you’ll need to create a specifically alkaline or acidic soil to get the color you want. You can adjust the soil pH with garden compost or loam-based composts.

– Add a Layer of Compost: Adding a layer of compost can improve soil structure and help provide essential nutrients while preventing weeds and maintaining moisture.

– Consider Different Hydrangea Varieties: Different types of hydrangeas have different needs. For example, bigleaf hydrangeas (hydrangea macrophylla), known for its large leaves and showy blooms, may require more water than other varieties.