They are robust plants after the first couple of years and will tolerate this rough treatment if necessary. Hydrangeas need plenty of water. The plant itself will survive lack of water, and will show glossy leaves, but the blossoms will be few and far between. They also thrive on fertilizer. Homemade compost or mulch is ideal for hydrangeas, or a multi-purpose fertilizer applied in spring and autumn.
Most gardeners use hydrangeas to fill in gaps in garden beds, along fences and the like.
They fit in well with the average planting arrangement and can look stunning in both large and small gardens. However in some parts of the world, such as the tropical islands of Madeira and the Azores, they are used as hedges on farms. I doubt if they are ever pruned, or fertilized beyond the odd cattle or sheep dropping, but they thrive in an untidy way and make remarkably beautiful hedges. It is something to be born in mind if you live in the tropics. Inc. PageWise makes no representations about the content published on this site.