Snow Storm Hydrangea

No gardener would pass up a virtually maintenance-free shrub that blooms for months no matter how hot or humid the weather. Snow Storm Hydrangea is that plant. The extra large mophead flower clusters begin to open early in the summer and do not stop until well into the fall. Pure white flowers and deep green foliage are ideal to pair with other blooming perennials and shrubs in a cottage garden or a more formal planting around an outdoor seating area. Hydrangea macrophylla ‘White King’ is adaptable to many conditions and will thrive despite urban pollution or seaside salty winds. 

The pure white of the flowers does not yellow or dull as the flowers age, and the cut flowers are ideal for arranging or drying. Hydrangeas are deer resistant and recover quickly from any browsing. Snow Storm is a top performer in a garden border, foundation planting or even a container to decorate your front entryway.  

Snow Storm Hydrangea Care

This Hydrangea requires plenty of shade during the middle of the day and deep, rich soil that stays consistently moist. Provide direct sun early or late in the day, which will help the shrubs bloom well. 

Snow Storm Hydrangea has stable coloring that is unaffected by soil pH, and prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (6.0-7.5). Water consistently to keep the large leaves hydrated and support continual blooming. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses make watering easy and avoid wetting the foliage. Mulching the soil is another great way to retain moisture longer. Use organic material such as compost or shredded leaves, which decompose over a season and help to condition the soil over time.

Pruning Snow Storm as the first growth emerges in the spring. Remove any damaged stems, old dead canes at the center of the plant, or obviously crossing branches to give the shrub an open vase shape. Flowers are produced on both old and new wood, so there is no danger of removing flower buds by pruning at the wrong time. Deadhead spent flower clusters to keep the shrub compact. Adding support hoops early in the spring before the shrub has leafed out helps to keep the branches upright even when weighed down with heavy flower heads.

Snow Storm Hydrangea Spacing

Snow Storm Hydrangea needs a spacing of 4 feet when planted with other shrubs and perennials. Containers with at least a 20-inch diameter are suitable for growing Hydrangeas for a few seasons, as the shrub will stay a smaller size when potted.