Caring for Florist Hydrangeas in Tucson's Heat

Indoor/Outdoor Strategy

Florist hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) are not landscape-hardy below Zone 9. In Tucson:

Spring–Fall (until 95°F+)

• Porch with morning sun, afternoon shade.
• Water daily in heat—never let dry out.
• Fertilize monthly with Miracid (maintains blue color, benefits all).

Summer (consistently >95°F)

• Move indoors to bright indirect light.
• Water when top inch dry.
• No fertilizer.

Fall Return

Move back to porch when nights stay below 90°F. Acclimate 10 days in shade first.

Key Insight: These are greenhouse-grown gift plants, not garden shrubs. Enjoy as seasonal container specimens.