Fall is the best time for planting those lovely flowering shrubs–it ensures that your will have an excellent show in your garden next spring. One of the showiest garden favorites is hydrangea. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planting yours this fall.

1. Planting your hydrangea early in the fall would be ideal, if you plant them in the summer, they will need a lot more water in the beginning to establish the root system.
2. Most varieties will thrive in full sun to part shade as long as they are planted in moist, rich soil. So choose a nice spot in your garden with good soil, or amend if you must.
3. Water deeply once a week, and maybe more, if the weather is particularly hot or dry. Hydrangeas love moist soil, but just like most of the plants in your garden, watering too much will cause root rot.
4. Fertilization of hydrangea could vary greatly depending on your intentions because certain elements of the fertilizer will effect the soil pH, which is a major determinant of bloom color in the pink/blue Hydrangea varieties, but a good all-purpose slow release fertilizer is always a good idea.
5. Always do research about your particular variety before doing anything. There are so many different varieties hydrangea that have different needs for things like pruning, light, moisture, and nutriment.

Good luck with all of your fall planting! Check out two of my favorite Hydrangeas, Hydrangea Annabelle and the ever-popular Endless Summer Hydrangea.