Midnight Rider™ Hydrangea Bush

1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks. Choose a location with partial shade to full shade, preferably with well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep, gently loosening the roots before placing the plant in the hole. Backfill with soil, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Spread a layer of mulch extending 3 feet around the plant to conserve moisture, insulate roots, and suppress weeds. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.

2. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during warmer months. Hydrangeas typically prefer around an inch of water per week. During dry spells, ensure they are watered deeply, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.

3. Pruning: Midnight Rider™ Hydrangea blooms on old wood. Prune lightly in early summer, just after flowering. Dead wood can be removed at any time.

4. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. A high-phosphorus fertilizer such as bone meal can help support blooming. Follow package instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilizing. To influence bloom color, Espoma Soil Acidifier can be used to lower soil pH and encourage blue blooms, while Espoma Garden Lime can be used to raise soil pH and shift blooms toward pink.