How Often to Water Newly Planted Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are beautiful flowering plants that can enhance the look of any garden or landscape. These plants require appropriate care, especially when they are newly planted. One of the key aspects of taking care of newly planted hydrangea is proper watering.

First Few Days

During the first few days after planting hydrangeas, it is essential to make sure that the soil is moist at all times. Soil that is too dry can cause the plants to wilt and die. Water the newly planted hydrangeas every day for the first few days, to ensure that they are getting the water they need to grow.

First Two Weeks

After the first few days, you can reduce the frequency of watering to every other day, but make sure that the soil remains moist. Check the soil moisture level by sticking a finger in the soil. A depth of 1 or 2 inches below the surface should be moist but not soaked.

Next Two to Four Weeks

As the plants begin to develop stronger roots, you can start watering them once a week. However, make sure that the soil is moist and never completely dry. Remember that hydrangeas prefer more water during hot, dry weather, or when planted in sandy soils.

Long-Term Watering

Soil conditions, climate, and the overall health of the plant are some of the factors that determine how often you should water hydrangeas in the long term. In general, they require around 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. You can test this by placing a rain gauge in your garden or measuring the moisture level of the soil using a soil moisture meter.

It is crucial to avoid overwatering hydrangeas as it can lead to root rot or other fungal diseases. Always make sure that the soil drains well or use a well-draining potting mix, especially for container-grown hydrangeas.

Tips for Watering Newly Planted Hydrangeas

Here are some practical tips to help you water newly planted hydrangeas effectively:

Water in the morning or evening when temperatures are lower to reduce water loss due to evaporation.

Give the plants a deep watering rather than shallow, frequent watering. This helps in the growth and development of strong roots that can withstand drought and stress later on.

Provide water at the base of the plant to minimize leaf wetting, which can cause fungal diseases.

Avoid watering the foliage of hydrangeas, as water droplets can magnify sunlight and cause scorching or burning of the leaves.

Conclusion

Watering newly planted hydrangeas is a crucial step in the care of these beautiful plants. Knowing how often you should water them can help you ensure their healthy growth and development. Remember to keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and to monitor the plants' water needs as they grow and mature.