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The garden hydrangea performs satisfactorily in Louisiana, but it really prefers a cooler climate. Nevertheless, it remains relatiavely popular and is planted statewide. While garden hydrangea will bloom in moderate shade, a sunnier site gives better results. Specimens planted on northern exposures always seen to do a little better than average, so save a spot in such a location if you wish to have the greatest success with this species. One interesting characteristic of this plant is its ability to change flower color. In strongly acid soil, flowers are blue...sometimes intensely blue. Sweeten the soil with enough lime and flower color will change to pink. During the transition, flowers may be almost purple. Garden hydrangeas shallow root system is often inadequate in summer heat, so watering is important. Diseases and insects are seldom a concern, though these can be a problem in the more humid areas. They should be planted during the dormant season in moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Some light shade and a northern exposure are also prime ingredients for the successful cultivation of garden hydrangea this far south.
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