Few flowering shrubs make a statement like hydrangeas. With their bold blooms, lush foliage, and long-lasting color, they’re a staple in New Jersey landscapes — from coastal homes on Long Beach Island to shaded backyards inland. But to keep them healthy and full of flowers, it’s important to understand their needs.
At W. Hendershot Landscape Design, we use hydrangeas often for their elegance and versatility. Here’s what every homeowner should know.
1. Know Your Variety – It Matters
Not all hydrangeas are pruned the same way:
- Bigleaf (Hydrangea macrophylla) – Classic blue or pink blooms on old wood. Don’t prune in fall or spring — only right after flowering in midsummer.
- Panicle (H. paniculata) – Varieties like ‘Limelight’ bloom on new wood. Cut back in late winter or early spring.
- Smooth (H. arborescens) – Think ‘Annabelle.’ Also blooms on new wood; prune hard in early spring.
- Oakleaf (H. quercifolia) – Blooms on old wood; prune lightly just after flowering.
Knowing your type ensures you don’t accidentally remove next year’s blooms.
2. Winterizing Hydrangeas – Less Is More
Many gardeners make the mistake of trimming hydrangeas in fall or winter. For most varieties, that removes next year’s flower buds. Instead, leave stems and dried blooms in place through winter — they help protect new buds and add visual interest.
Apply a 3–4 inch layer of mulch or leaf cover around the base to insulate roots, especially for bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangeas. Near the coast, a loose burlap wrap helps shield them from wind and salt spray. Contact us if you’d like more information or assistance with proper burlap wrapping techniques — we’re happy to help prepare your plants for winter.
Wait until spring to prune once you see fresh green growth.
3. Light, Water & Deer Resistance
Hydrangeas prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, with deep watering two to three times a week during dry spells. Mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
While not deer-proof, panicle and oakleaf varieties are the most resistant. Pair hydrangeas with deer-resistant plants like boxwood or lavender for extra protection.
Bring Hydrangeas to Your Landscape
From timeless bigleaf blooms to bold panicle forms, hydrangeas elevate any landscape when planted right.
Contact Us to design and install hydrangeas that thrive in your New Jersey yard.