Hydrangeas have long been one of Australia’s favourite flowering shrubs. With their huge mophead blooms, lush foliage and stunning colour variations, they bring instant elegance to gardens, courtyards, patios and indoor arrangements. Here’s your ultimate guide to growing beautiful hydrangeas.
🌞 Climate
Hydrangeas are surprisingly adaptable, growing well in coastal NSW.
They prefer:
- Mild summers
- Morning sun + afternoon shade
- Moist, rich, well-drained soil
💧 Watering Hydrangeas
The name hydrangea literally means “water vessel”, so it’s no surprise these beauties LOVE consistent moisture.
- Water deeply at the base 2–3 times per week
- Increase watering during heatwaves
- Mulch generously to help retain soil moisture
For the MidCoast region, mulching is especially helpful due to sandy soils and coastal breezes.
🌱 Feeding Your Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are hungry feeders during spring and summer.
Use:
- A slow-release fertiliser in early spring
- A liquid bloom booster every 3–4 weeks
- Dolomite lime for pink flowers
- Aluminium sulphate for blue flowers
Tip: Colour change only works on certain varieties (mainly Hydrangea macrophylla).
🎨 Why Do Hydrangea Colours Change?
Hydrangeas are famous for changing colour depending on soil pH:
- Acidic soil → Blue flowers
- Neutral soil → Purple/lavender
- Alkaline soil → Pink flowers
If you want deep blue hydrangeas, aim for a soil pH of 5.0–5.5.
For bright pink, aim for 6.5–7.0.
🌿 Hydrangeas in Pots
Hydrangeas look incredible in large feature pots — perfect for patios, decks and entrances.
Tips for pot success:
- Choose a large pot (at least 40–50cm)
- Use premium potting mix
- Water regularly (pots dry out faster)
- Feed more often than garden-grown hydrangeas
At Lumpy’s, our range of ceramic pots work beautifully with flowering hydrangeas.
🏡 Design Ideas for Hydrangeas in Gardens
Use hydrangeas to:
- Create cottage-style garden beds
- Brighten shady corners
- Line pathways or fences
- Add height and structure behind smaller perennials
- Feature in pots near entrances or entertaining areas
They also make stunning cut flowers for vases or dried floral arrangements.
🐛 Common Problems & How to Fix Them
🌿 Wilting or drooping leaves:
Usually heat stress. Water deeply, mulch and provide afternoon shade.
💛 Yellow leaves:
May indicate magnesium deficiency — add a little Epsom salt.
🟤 Brown edges:
Wind burn or too much sun. Relocate or add shade cloth.
🦟 Pests:
Aphids, scale and beetles can be treated with eco-oil or pyrethrum.
🌸 Hydrangeas at Their Best
Hydrangeas bloom from late spring through summer, making them perfect for Christmas gardens, summer weddings and festive displays.
This year’s hydrangeas at Lumpy’s Nursery are looking stunning — full, lush and bursting with colour. They’re one of our most popular summer plants, and they sell FAST every season!
🌿 In Summary: Hydrangeas Love…
✔ Morning sun, afternoon shade
✔ Moist, rich, well-drained soil
✔ Regular watering
✔ Seasonal feeding
✔ Light pruning at the right time
If you give them what they need, they’ll reward you with huge, spectacular blooms year after year.
💚 Want Help Choosing the Perfect Hydrangea?
Call in and chat with our horticulturists at Lumpy’s Nursery & Landscape Yard, Tuncurry.
We have stunning varieties in store right now — plus pots, fertilisers, mulch and everything you need to grow them like a pro.