Hydrangeas can grow on most soils and thrive on heavy clay, making them ideal for most new-build gardens and wet, compacted soils. However, for the best performance and healthy, vigorous growth, hydrangea plants require fertile, well-draining soils that receive plenty of moisture. Here are some tips on the type of soil that hydrangeas like:
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Moisture: Hydrangeas do best in moist, well-drained soil. If your soil is light, bulk it up with moisture-retaining organic matter such as well-rotted manure or compost before planting.
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Fertility: Amend your garden soil with rich organic materials and well-decomposed compost. To replenish vital minerals and nutrients, mix dehydrated cow manure, garden compost, or peat moss (up to 1/3 concentration) into your soil.
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pH: For true blue flowers, hydrangeas need to be grown in acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 or lower. For pink flowers, the plants need neutral to alkaline soil. White cultivars are not affected by soil pH.
In summary, hydrangeas like moist, well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic for blue flowers and neutral to alkaline for pink flowers.
