To answer this question, first, please tell me whether your potted Hydrangea is inside or outside (like on your balcony, yard, and so on). If you keep it outdoors, you should prune its brown flowers and then prepare it for overwintering.
Anyway, if your potted Hydrangea is a gif type living indoors (an indoor Hydrangea), after blooming, you should put it in a bright place with indirect sunlight and prepare it for overwintering in a colder place. Yeah, you have to transfer your indoor Hydrangea to a cold place!
Actually, you cannot keep it indoors in winter. Do you know why? because it must try winter for blooming in the next year. I discussed the flowering cycle of hydrangea macrophylla and the importance of winter in its blooming in my other post “Can I Bring My Potted Hydrangea Inside for the Winter?”.
Oh, I really forgot to tell you I’m a horticultural consultant and a houseplant lover. Stay with me in this post to give you more tips on what must you do with a potted Hydrangea after its blooms.
Things I Do With My Potted Hydrangea After It Blooms
After my potted hydrangea blooms, I make sure to follow a few key steps to help it stay healthy and strong for the next season. Here’s what I do:
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Deadheading (Removing Spent Blooms)
Why? I remove the faded flowers to keep my hydrangea looking neat and to encourage it to focus energy on new growth.
How? I use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut off the spent blooms just above the first set of healthy leaves or buds. I’m careful not to cut into the woody stems so the plant can maintain its structure.
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Pruning (Light Maintenance)
Why? After blooming, my hydrangea can get a bit leggy. Light pruning helps it stay shaped and healthy.
How? For varieties like Hydrangea paniculata or Hydrangea arborescens, I do some light pruning in late summer or early fall. However, I avoid heavy pruning for types like Hydrangea macrophylla (bigleaf hydrangeas), since cutting back too much can remove next year’s flower buds.
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Watering & Fertilizing
Why? Even after blooming, my hydrangea still needs regular watering and some extra nutrients to stay strong for the next growing season.
How? I water it consistently, making sure the soil stays evenly moist but not soggy. I give it a dose of balanced, slow-release fertilizer once or twice more to help it recharge. I avoid fertilizing too late in the year so it doesn’t push out new growth that could be damaged by frost.
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Adjusting Light Exposure
Why? After blooming, I adjust the amount of direct sunlight my hydrangea gets, especially as fall approaches.
How? If my hydrangea is still outside, I move it to a spot with a bit less direct sunlight to protect it from the hot late summer sun. If it’s indoors, I place it near a bright, but indirect light source.
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Preparing for Winter (if in a Pot)
Why? Potted hydrangeas are more vulnerable to freezing temperatures than those planted in the ground, so I make sure to protect them in the colder months. I recommend reading my other post “Difference between indoor and outdoor Hydrangeas“.
How? If I live in a cold climate, I move my hydrangea to a protected spot like a garage or a sheltered porch. If it’s too large to move, I wrap the pot in burlap or foam insulation and mulch around the base to protect the roots from freezing.
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Transitioning Indoors in Harsh Days of Winter
Why? I bring my potted hydrangea inside to protect it from the harsh winter weather.
How? As I told you in my other post “Can I Leave My Potted Hydrangea Outside in Winter?”, a potted Hydrangea is more sensitive to cold weather than other varieties. So, I acclimate it gradually by placing it in a cool, well-lit spot, ideally around 50–60°F (10–15°C), and away from heat sources. It still needs plenty of indirect light, and I make sure it’s not placed in direct sunlight or too close to a heater.
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Check for Pests and Diseases
Why? I keep a close eye on my hydrangea to make sure it stays healthy and pest-free.
How? I inspect the plant regularly for pests like aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs. If I find any, I wash the leaves with a mild soap and water solution or treat it with insecticidal soap. I also keep an eye out for mold or mildew, especially if the plant is indoors, where humidity can encourage fungal growth.
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Re-potting (if necessary)
Why? If my hydrangea has outgrown its pot, I make sure to re-pot it into a slightly larger container.
How? If the roots seem crowded or the soil looks compacted, I re-pot my hydrangea into a new pot with fresh potting mix. Early spring is the ideal time for this, but I can also do it after blooming if the plant seems ready for it.
The End,
I told you all you should know about your potted Hydrangea after it blooms. Please notice the most important thing is preparing it for overwintering. I recommend reading my other post “Can you Put an Indoor Hydrangea Outside?”. There I told you very pro tips and ideas which will help you with this issue. Don’t forget to ask me your questions below this page. I will answer as soon as possible.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.