Hydrangeas prefer morning sun and afternoon shade. Grow as a single plant or several for greater impact. They like rich, organic, well-drained soil. If growing in a container, use a good quality potting mix. Keep track of which kind of hydrangea you are growing as that is crucial when it comes to pruning the plant. Hydrangeas typically grow 4 to 12 feet, depending on the variety. They are fast growers.

The best time to plant is in the fall or early spring. Rather than simply digging a hole to plant your hydrangea in, prepare the soil in a larger area such as a planting bed or an area at least two-feet-wide and one-foot deep. Hydrangeas like water. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season, particularly in the spring when flowers are forming and during the hot summer temperatures when the plant is in bloom.

When to prune is one of the most asked questions about this plant. Some bloom on old wood (previous season's growth), some bloom on new growth (current season's growth), and some of the newer cultivars are repeat bloomers and bloom on both old and new growth, making pruning less of an issue. It is important to know which type of hydrangea you have because that is crucial information when it comes to the best time to prune your plant.

Adding plenty of organic material and working it into your soil before adding your hydrangea is the best way to give your plant a good, healthy start. Keep track of the hydrandea type you have in your garden, and prune accordingly to maximize bloom production. Make sure your plants are in soil that drains well. Even though they like water, hydrangeas don't do well in soil that is poorly drained.