Hydrangeas are beautiful flowers, and they represent a wide range of emotions in different cultures. Yes, they can be tricky to grow, but they are relatively low-maintenance with the right care! In this episode, you will learn everything you need to know about hydrangeas from Ryan McEnaney aka @ryanplantsplants, your new best plant friend. I bumped into him in Seattle during the Northwestern Flower Show a few weeks back. We grabbed dinner and it was crazy how much we clicked!

Ryan is a fifth-generation member of Bailey Nurseries, which is known for their Endless Summer hydrangeas, Easy Elegance Roses, and First Edition shrubs. His lifetime spent with hydrangeas has given him a strong grasp on their care, and he’s willing to share these tips with us!

In this episode, we learn:

• [06:13] What has Ryan’s plant parent journey looked like?
• [09:54] What are the 4 main species of hydrangea?
• [13:42] Understanding bloom cycles for pruning
• [16:56] Say goodbye to balcony watering stress this summer with self-watering planters!
• [17:23] Learn how to create the perfect cutting garden for bouquets with The Cut Flower Handbook
• [18:25] What is the blooming cycle of hydrangeas?
• [20:09] When should you prune hydrangeas?
• [22:40] How does soil affect the color of Hydrangea macrophylla blooms?
• [28:58] What should you know about planting hydrangeas in the ground?
• [30:12] What’s the general light guideline?
• [30:42] Common mistakes people make with planting hydrangea
• [31:23] Get everything you need, from containers to raised beds, with Gardener's Supply Company
• [32:40] Check your hydrangeas’ soil acidity with Espoma Organics
• [34:30] Why is it important to choose hydrangeas with flower buds?
• [42:42] How to extend the length of hydrangea blooms
• [48:26] Where can you find Ryan on social media?
• [48:43] Where can you get Ryan’s book ‘Field Guide to Outside Style’?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Northwest Flower and Garden Show
• Bailey Nurseries
• First Editions
• Youtube: 210 How to Grow Citrus Indoors
• Pop Star® Reblooming Hydrangea
• Endless Summer Hydrangeas
• Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier
• Espoma Organic Garden Lime
• Espoma Organic Holly-tone Organic Fertilizer
• Espoma Organic Rose-tone Organic Fertilizer
• 'Limelight' - Panicle Hydrangea - Hydrangea paniculata
• Vanilla Strawberry™ Panicle Hydrangea

For Ryan's professional and proven hydrangea-growing tips,

check out the full show notes here!

Follow Ryan:

Website

Instagram

Book

Thank you to our episode sponsors:Gardener's Supply

Discover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping.

Quarto: The Cut Flower Handbook by Lisa M Ziegler

Pick up The Cut Flower Handbook at your favorite local bookstore, quarto.com, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble or amazon.com.

Crescent Garden

For a limited time only, head to growingjoywithmaria.com/crescentgarden and use code GROWJOY15 to curate your dream garden today.

Espoma Organic

Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

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