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Tag Archive for: planting Hydrangeas

VIDEO: Planting Hydrangeas 🌸 with Wyse Guide

September 23, 2025/in Blog, Espoma Videos, Flowers, Kaleb Wyse

When it comes to hydrangeas, every gardener dreams of full, colorful blooms that light up the landscape. Watch as Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide shares how he plants and transplants hydrangeas in his Iowa garden. He walks us through his process step by step—using Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to help roots establish, Espoma Organic Holly-tone to feed acid-loving plants, and how using Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier can create the perfect conditions for iconic blue blooms.

Here are six top tips and takeaways from Kaleb’s hydrangea planting project:

1. Choose the Right Variety for Your Climate

Not every hydrangea will thrive just because it’s rated for your USDA zone. Kaleb explains how some bigleaf hydrangeas struggled in his area, so he swapped them for hardier Seaside Serenade Cape Cod hydrangeas, better suited for his Zone 4 garden. Always match your plant choice to both your climate and the light conditions in your garden.

2. Protect Roots During Transplanting

Whether moving a shrub or planting a new one, Kaleb emphasizes the importance of keeping the root ball intact to reduce transplant shock. He carefully lifts and moves hydrangeas with as much surrounding soil as possible, ensuring minimal stress on the plant. 

3. Always Plant with a Good Organic Starter Fertilizer

Every hydrangea Kaleb plants gets a helping of Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus in the hole. Packed with beneficial microbes and mycorrhizae, Bio-tone encourages strong root development and helps plants adapt quickly to their new home. As Kaleb puts it, he treats transplants like brand-new plants—and Bio-tone gives them the best start possible.

4. Feed with Fertilizer for Acid-Loving Plants

Hydrangeas love soil on the acidic side. That’s why Kaleb sprinkles in Espoma Organic Holly-tone, a slow-release organic fertilizer crafted specifically for acid-loving plants like hydrangeas, azaleas, and blueberries. Holly-tone not only provides balanced nutrition but also contains elemental sulfur to help gently acidify soil over time.

5. Adjust Soil pH 

If your soil isn’t naturally acidic, hydrangeas may need a little extra help. Kaleb mentions how his soil leans neutral, so he often turns to Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier. Made from natural sulfur, it safely lowers soil pH, creating the right conditions for healthier growth and, in the case of bigleaf hydrangeas, can even shift blooms from pink to blue.

6. Prioritize Drainage and Consistent Moisture

Hydrangeas thrive in soil that’s both well-draining and consistently moist. Kaleb demonstrates checking drainage by filling the planting hole with water. If it drains well, you’re set! He also reminds us that even established hydrangeas benefit from supplemental water during dry spells to keep blooms from wilting or scorching in summer heat.

You Can Do It!

Healthy soil, the right plant food, and a watchful eye on moisture make all the difference in hydrangea success. With Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, Holly-tone, and Soil Acidifier in your toolkit, you’ll be well on your way to lush, colorful hydrangea blooms—year after year.

*****

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image Espoma Organic Holly-tone Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier Bag

 

Where to Buy

https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Planting-Hydrangeas.jpg 720 1280 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-09-23 11:51:362025-09-23 11:51:36VIDEO: Planting Hydrangeas 🌸 with Wyse Guide

VIDEO: Planting Hydrangeas and Yews 🌸🌲 with Wyse Guide

September 16, 2025/in Blog, Espoma Videos, Fall Gardening, Kaleb Wyse

In this Wyse Guide project, Kaleb refreshes the entry to his mom’s driveway with smooth hydrangeas and a Captain yew for four-season structure. He plants each shrub with Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to jump-start strong root growth and reduce transplant stress, then adds Espoma Organic Holly-tone because hydrangeas and most yews thrive in slightly acidic soil. Bio-tone delivers beneficial microbes and gentle nutrition right where roots need it; Holly-tone provides a slow, steady feed tailored for acid-loving plants so they establish beautifully in his neutral Iowa soil.

Tips from Wyse Guide:

  1. Plant when you have the window. If the soil is workable and you can water, spring through fall is fair game—plants are often better off in the ground than in pots.
  2. Match plants to the site. Kaleb chose upright, weather-tough, smooth hydrangeas for bloom and a rugged Captain yew for year-round form in part shade with occasional dry spells.
  3. Call before you dig. Always locate underground utilities before starting holes. Safety first.
  4. Plant slightly high. Set the root ball a touch above grade to allow for settling and better oxygen at the crown, especially near thirsty maples.
  5. Prep the roots. Loosen or lightly score tight root balls so roots can spread into native soil. Then, pre-soak the root ball before backfilling.
  6. Feed and mulch smart. Mix Bio-tone and Holly-tone into the planting hole for establishment and acid-loving nutrition. Finish with a 2–3″ layer of compost like Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost mulch to add organic matter to lock in moisture and suppress weeds.

A simple, well-chosen pairing—hydrangeas for flowers and yew for structure—turned this entry into a welcoming focal point. Take your time, let inspiration strike at the nursery, and set new plants up for success with Bio-tone and Holly-ton

Ready to plant? Visit your local garden center for Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus,  Holly-tone, Land & Sea Compost, and let’s get growing!

*****

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image Espoma Organic Holly-tone Organic Fertilizer for all acid loving plants Espoma Organic Land and Sea gourmet compost

 

 

Where to Buy

https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Title-21.jpg 720 1280 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-09-16 15:28:182025-09-16 15:28:18VIDEO: Planting Hydrangeas and Yews 🌸🌲 with Wyse Guide

VIDEO: Planting Hydrangeas in containers 🪴🌸 and more with Garden Answer

July 15, 2025/in Blog, Container Gardening, Espoma Videos, Flowers, Garden Answer

Spend a day with Laura from Garden Answer as she decorates her garden with a variety of flourishing colors! 🌸 She starts by prepping her front porch containers with Espoma Organic Potting Mix, the perfect base for Fairytrail Green Hydrangeas.

Later on, she adds plants to more containers throughout her garden and adds a pop of bright color with Bubblegum Petunias, applying Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, giving her new plants the nutrients needed to grow deeper roots and bigger blooms.

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

YouTube

Website

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Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag ImageEspoma Organic Potting soil Mix Big bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Espoma_0725_FairytrailHydrangeas_Thumbnail.jpg 1080 1920 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-07-15 11:05:362025-07-15 11:05:36VIDEO: Planting Hydrangeas in containers 🪴🌸 and more with Garden Answer

VIDEO: Transplanting Hydrangeas 🌸🌱 with Skye Hamilton

April 23, 2025/in Blog

If you’re looking to transplant hydrangeas like a pro, Skye Hamilton has you covered. In this informative short video, Skye walks us through a method that’s both plant-friendly and results-driven.

When to Transplant?

Skye recommends making the move in late winter to early spring, a period when hydrangeas are dormant. This timing reduces stress and sets the stage for robust root development.

Soil Prep and Planting

She doesn’t just dig a hole—she prepares it like a home. Skye amends the soil with Espoma Organic Land & Sea Compost, creating a nutrient-rich environment. She also incorporates a high quality organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bio-Tone Starter Plus to boost root growth and reduce transplant shock.

Final Touches

Once planted, a deep watering helps the soil settle around the roots. Skye’s method ensures your hydrangea gets the best possible start in its new spot.

With her approach, you’re not just moving a plant—you’re setting it up to thrive.

*****

Learn More about Skye Hamilton:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Pinterest

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Land and SeaEspoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image Espoma Organic Flower-tone bag

 

 

Where to Buy

https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/image1.jpeg 2071 1179 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-04-23 12:52:152025-04-29 11:47:01VIDEO: Transplanting Hydrangeas 🌸🌱 with Skye Hamilton

VIDEO: Planting a FALL CONTAINER + HYDRANGEAS + Harvesting POTATOES with Garden Answer

October 4, 2024/in Blog, Espoma Videos, Flowers, Garden Answer, Gardening

Join Laura from Garden Answer as she shows how to plant a stunning fall container filled with a mix of annuals and hydrangeas. Along the way, she shares practical gardening tips while sprucing up a flowerbed and harvesting potatoes from her vegetable garden.

To give her plants the best start, Laura uses Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix for an ideal growing medium and adds Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to ensure strong roots and big beautiful blooms.

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

https://www.youtube.com/c/gardenanswer

https://www.gardenanswer.com/

https://www.facebook.com/gardenanswer

https://www.instagram.com/gardenanswer/

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus bag Espoma Organic Potting soil Mix Big bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Buy

https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Untitled-design-12.jpg 720 1280 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2024-10-04 12:25:072025-04-10 10:46:04VIDEO: Planting a FALL CONTAINER + HYDRANGEAS + Harvesting POTATOES with Garden Answer
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