Hydrangeas are some of the most breathtaking plants you can grow in your garden. Their large, fluffy blooms and rich green leaves make them a favorite among gardeners of all experience levels.
By June, many hydrangeas are gearing up for their main show. Some are already blooming, while others are pushing out buds that will open later in the season.
If you want to see more blooms and stronger plants, now is the time to give your hydrangeas what they need to thrive.
Make Sure the Soil Stays Moist but Not Soggy
Hydrangeas are thirsty plants, especially in early summer when they are forming buds and opening blooms.
Their broad leaves lose moisture quickly, and when the soil dries out, the whole plant begins to wilt.
In June, temperatures begin to rise, and rainy days often become less frequent. That means it is up to you to keep the soil consistently moist.
Use your finger to check the top few inches of soil every couple of days. If it feels dry, it is time to water.
Give your hydrangeas a deep soak rather than a light sprinkle. Water at the base of the plant and let it soak in slowly so the roots can absorb as much as they need.
Try to water in the morning. That way, any moisture that lands on the leaves can dry out during the day and reduce the risk of fungal issues.
If your soil drains quickly or tends to dry out fast, consider adding a thick layer of mulch around the base.
Mulch helps hold moisture, cools the soil, and keeps weeds from stealing water from your plants.
Just be sure the mulch does not touch the base of the stems. Leave a few inches of space so the stems stay dry and healthy.
Feed the Plant at the Right Time with the Right Nutrients
June is a great time to give your hydrangeas a nutritional boost. Whether your hydrangeas are just forming buds or already in bloom, they need the right balance of nutrients to stay strong and colorful.
Use a fertilizer made for flowering shrubs or one specifically labeled for hydrangeas. These formulas are designed to support leaf growth, bud development, and flower color.
Apply the fertilizer around the drip line of the plant, which is the area under the outermost leaves. Avoid putting it too close to the base, which can cause root burn.
Water the area well after applying fertilizer so the nutrients reach the roots where they are needed most.
If your hydrangea is showing signs of yellowing leaves or poor growth, you may need to feed sooner.
But if you already fertilized earlier in the spring, a lighter dose in June may be all that is needed.
For gardeners who want to control bloom color, June is also a key time to adjust soil pH.
Add garden lime to raise pH and encourage pink blooms or use aluminum sulfate to lower pH and encourage blue flowers.
These changes do not happen overnight, but early summer is the best time to influence the color before the next flush of blooms appears.
Prune With Purpose Based on the Type You Grow
Not all hydrangeas are pruned the same way, and in June, it is important to know which type you are growing before you grab the clippers.
If you have a bigleaf hydrangea, also called Hydrangea macrophylla, you should avoid cutting the stems now. These hydrangeas form their buds in late summer and bloom on old wood the following year.
Removing stems in June will take away the buds that are just starting to form, which means fewer flowers next season.
However, if your bigleaf hydrangea already bloomed this spring, you can safely remove the faded flowers and lightly shape the plant. Just be careful not to cut below the old blooms, where new buds may be forming.
Panicle hydrangeas and smooth hydrangeas are different. They bloom on new wood, which means you can prune them earlier in the season without losing any flowers.
By June, pruning should be done, but you can still remove weak or crossing stems to improve airflow and shape.
Always use clean, sharp shears, and make cuts just above a healthy set of leaves.
Removing spent blooms also keeps the plant looking fresh and may even encourage more flowering later in the summer.
Protect the Leaves From Heat and Afternoon Sun
While hydrangeas enjoy a good amount of light, too much direct sun in the afternoon can stress the plant and damage the leaves.
In June, as the sun climbs higher and stays out longer, leaves can begin to scorch. This is especially true for bigleaf and mountain hydrangeas, which have softer, thinner leaves.
If you notice browning around the edges of the leaves or fading color, it may be a sign of sun stress.
Try to give your hydrangeas some afternoon shade if you live in a hot climate. A spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal.
If your plants are already in a sunny location, consider adding a shade cloth or planting tall companions nearby to cast some light cover.
You can also move container hydrangeas into a slightly shadier spot during the hottest parts of the day.
Keeping the leaves protected from harsh sunlight helps reduce moisture loss, prevents leaf damage, and allows the plant to focus on growing and blooming rather than recovering from heat stress.
Stay Ahead of Pests and Fungal Problems
Hydrangeas are fairly easy to grow, but they can run into trouble with pests and diseases, especially when the weather gets warm and humid.
In June, keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, and leaf spot. These problems often show up on the undersides of leaves or near the tips of new growth.
If you notice yellowing leaves, speckled foliage, or small insects, act quickly.
Spray the affected leaves with water to knock off insects or use a gentle insecticidal soap.
For fungal issues like powdery mildew or black spots, remove the damaged leaves and dispose of them away from the garden.
Improving airflow around the plant helps prevent fungal growth. Prune away crowded stems, remove weeds near the base, and avoid overhead watering.
If problems persist, consider using a natural fungicide or neem oil spray. These treatments are effective and safer for pollinators than harsh chemical sprays.
Catching problems early keeps them from spreading and helps your plant focus on growing instead of fighting off stress.
Trim the Blooms When They Begin to Fade
Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, keeps your hydrangeas looking tidy and can encourage some types to bloom again.
As the first flush of blooms begins to fade, cut them off just above the first set of healthy leaves.
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners, and avoid pulling or twisting the stems by hand.
This small step helps the plant redirect its energy into forming new blooms or building stronger roots.
Not all hydrangeas will rebloom, but many varieties of bigleaf and remontant hydrangeas will send out new flowers if you remove the faded ones quickly.
Even if reblooming does not happen, deadheading improves the overall look of the plant and reduces the chance of disease or insect activity around aging flowers.
Let the Roots Breathe by Keeping the Ground Clear
Hydrangeas may have full, leafy tops, but their roots need space and air to stay healthy.
Crowded soil, heavy mulch, or weeds growing up close to the stems can suffocate the roots and hold in too much moisture.
In June, take time to clean around the base of each hydrangea. Pull weeds, lift any mulch that is too close to the stems, and lightly loosen the top inch of soil if it has become hard or packed.
A clear, open space around the base helps air and water reach the roots more easily. It also reduces the chance of rot or fungal problems starting at the soil level.
Once the area is clear, apply a fresh layer of mulch about two to three inches thick. Keep it a few inches away from the main stems so the crown of the plant can breathe.
Giving the roots a little breathing room keeps the whole plant stronger, especially as the heat of summer starts to build.
Final Thoughts
Hydrangeas are one of the most rewarding plants to grow, and June is the month when they show their full potential.
This is the time to help them bloom longer, grow stronger, and stay healthy through summer.
When cared for well in June, hydrangeas respond with weeks of color, lush leaves, and blooms that turn heads.
A little effort now brings beauty that lasts.