Watering

Indoors.
Watering indoors should be carried out regularly so the soil is kept moisty but not soggy. For those who think it difficult to supply the right quantity of water, there is a way that always has success and by which you get a better feeling about the quantity of water the plant needs. As soon as you think that the plant needs water, you plunge the pot totally into lukewarm water and let the air bubble out. After the plant has drained out, you have to weight it. This is the maximum weight. Do not give any water for several days.

Take good care when the plant will wilt a little. Put it on the scales again then. This is the minimum weight. Take care that from this moment the weight of the plant is just between (or a little higher) the maximum and minimum weight. Check this by weighing the plant regularly and, by adding water, keep the weight above the midway between the extremes.

Outdoors.
A favourite position for the Hydrangea is at the foot of a house or a wall under some protection of trees and/or shrubs. Keep in mind that trees and shrubs take much moisture and food out of the soil so the Hydrangea, that needs much water, may not get enough if placed there. Take care that, at the beginning or at the end of a day sufficient water is given.

Several kinds of soil can cause problems with dryness. If you have a lot of Hydrangeas and other plants that need much water, drip irrigation is recommended. The advantage of this system is that water and if necessary, a little bit of fertilizer can be easily and evenly supplied. If water is given regularly in small doses, the soil will absorb it better than if a great quantity is given all at once. Simple systems of drip irrigation are easily obtainable nowadays. Another great advantage for the plant is that, if such a system is used, the leaves and the flowers will not be wet with every watering. This gives mould (mildew) less chance to affect the plant.

If the soil is moist enough and the leaves and/or flowers still droop, it may be that there has been too much evaporation. When the sun has set in the evening the plant will recover. By putting a parasol over the flowers or by causing shade in another way, this problem can be prevented.

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