Overwintered Hydrangea Drooping After Move Outdoors: Acclimation and Bud Preservation

Hydrangea moved from indoor winter protection to Minnesota deck in spring, now drooping: it's shock from sudden exposure to wind, sun, and temperature swings. The plant was soft from indoor conditions.

Do not prune—most hydrangeas bloom on old wood; pruning now removes this year's flowers. Instead: place in shade for a week, gradually increasing sun. Water consistently. Fertilize lightly. It will recover as it hardens off.

Next year: acclimate over 2 weeks (shade to sun). Or plant in ground—hydrangeas are hardy in Minnesota with winter mulch.