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 ShowBailey NurseriesFirst EditionsYoutube: 210 How to Grow Citrus IndoorsPop Star® Reblooming HydrangeaEndless Summer HydrangeasEspoma Organic Soil AcidifierEspoma Organic Garden LimeEspoma Organic Holly-tone Organic FertilizerEspoma Organic Rose-tone Organic Fertilizer'Limelight' - Panicle Hydrangea - Hydrangea paniculataVanilla Strawberry™ Panicle HydrangeaFor Ryan's professional and proven hydrangea-growing tips,check out the full show notes here!Follow Ryan:WebsiteInstagramBookThank you to our episode sponsors:Gardener's SupplyDiscover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping.Quarto: The Cut Flower Handbook by Lisa M ZieglerPick up The Cut Flower Handbook at your favorite local bookstore, quarto.com, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble or amazon.com.Crescent GardenFor a limited time only, head to growingjoywithmaria.com/crescentgarden and use code GROWJOY15 to curate your dream garden today.Espoma OrganicVisit 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 LeungJoin the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!Instagram: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria