Avoid hydrangea care mistake or risk 'soft, leafy growth' and plant with no flowers

There are a number of different hydrangea varieties, but according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), they all enjoy similar conditions when it comes to the garden.

The shrub is hardy and can withstand many conditions, but it tends to bloom throughout late summer and autumn, depending on the type.

For newly established plants, the RHS advised gardeners to water them during the first growing season from spring to summer where there has been no rain for seven to 10 days.

Mature plants will benefit from being watered throughout dry spells too, as well as mulch around them to lock all the moisture in.

The pros said: "Check the moisture levels of containerised plants regularly and ensure they do not dry out.

"Move containers to a shadier spot in summer to reduce drying out." This is even important in the autumn months when they are blooming.

After planting, gardeners should feed them with a general fertiliser such as Vitax Q4, Growmore or fish, blood and bone.

However, hydrangeas do not need regular feeding, according to the RHS.

In fact, feeding them too often will result in "soft, leafy growth" with shrubs "less likely to develop flowers".

It may also make them more susceptible to frost damage which can kill the plant over winter.

The pros noted: "Struggling shrubs growing on lighter, sandier soils may benefit from a spring application of general fertiliser.

"Drought stress can also cause this problem so mulching may be more helpful."

The plant can also be fed with coffee scraps as well as banana peels to help boost nutrients.

Other ways to help hydrangeas thrive year after year include pruning, but when to prune depends on the variety.

Mophead and lacecaps can be pruned lightly but regularly in mid-spring to help encourage the growth of new flowers.