Let's Dance Big Easy® Hydrangea Bush

The Let's Dance Big Easy® Hydrangea Plant is another hybrid Proven Winners® selection that blooms on both old and new wood. What that means for you, is that even if your new flower buds on old growth are damaged due to a late frost or longer-than-normal winter, you will still have blooms on the new growth. Moderately salt tolerant, coastal growers are cautioned to protect the bushes from direct salt spray. The exceptionally large flower clusters go through an amazing progression of color changes, emerging pink or pinky-green and then sometimes changing back to green. Of course, pink will be blue if the pH of your soil is less than 7.0.

Let's Dance Big Easy® Hydrangea macrophylla 'Berner' USPP 22,329, Can 4,526

Companion Planting: Aster, Astilbe, Dicentra, Viburnum

Planting Instructions:

• - Best planted in early spring or fall to allow strong root establishment
• - Space plants 3-5 feet apart, depending on the variety and mature size

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 5.5-6.5 for blue blooms; slightly higher pH (6.5-7.0) for pink blooms
• - Prefers moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter

Watering Specifics:

• - Water deeply during the first growing season to establish roots
• - Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells

Fertilizer Type:

• - Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring
• - For blue blooms, use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants

Pruning and Training:

• - Remove spent flowers after blooming to encourage new blooms
• - Avoid heavy pruning, as reblooming hydrangeas flower on both old and new wood

Additional Pest Management:

• - Monitor for pests such as aphids, spider mites, and slugs
• - Ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew and leaf spot

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, depending on the variety
• - Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and protect roots from extreme heat or cold