General Care

• Peegee hydrangeas can be planted in almost any climate and tolerate most temperatures quite well. They should be planted in full sun to partial shade, in an area where there is plenty of room to avoid overcrowding. They do best in soil that is sandy or clay-like and is mildly acidic.
  
  When planting, compost or peat moss should be added in a hole that is wider than the roots. An inch of the roots should remain above the surface and the plant should then be surrounded by leaves, pine needles or mulch.
  
  Peegee hydrangeas should be watered regularly but should not be over-watered as that can cause the leaves to yellow. They can be pruned at any time that they are not blooming and tolerate large prunings well.
  
  Fertilizing should be done in early spring and after blooming with a general-use fertilizer. If yellowing leaves are a problem, liquid fertilizer can be used.
  
  

Propagation

• Peegee hydrangeas are generally propagated with cuttings because the flowers are sterile and do not produce seeds. There are several ways to accomplish this. Cuttings are best taken from branches that did not flower, but can be taken from flowering branches as well. They should be cut 5 to 6 inches long and have the lower leaves removed. The larger leaves should also be cut down to half the original size. Cuttings can be dipped in rooting hormone, but it is not necessary. Fill a small pot with coarse sand or similar medium and water well. Allow the pot to drain so that the sand is not soggy. Place cutting in to the pot and cover with plastic. This can be done with a clear plastic bag that is staked up to keep it off the leaves or with a clear plastic cup or bottle. The cutting should be placed where it can receive some bright light but also some shade. A new cutting will rot if put in direct sunlight. Roots should begin to form with in two to three weeks.
  
  Ground layering is another option for propagation. Branches that are close to the ground can be partially buried in a trench while still attached to the mother plant. Placing a brick or other heavy object on top of the buried section will keep it underground. Once roots began to form on the branch it can be cut from the mother plant and transplanted to another area.
  
  Rooting cuttings in water is possible, but is not as successful as rooting them in sand or soil.