08/04/2026
This Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea and I have been besties since 2023, after collecting approximately one metric ton of rainwater she can weep. 🥹
Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) are known for having sturdier, woodier stems than smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens), which is why they usually hold their blooms much better.
Repeated heavy rains can leave her looking more relaxed for the rest of the season though 😕. After the flowers absorb a surprising amount of water, that extra weight causes the stems to flex downward. The blooms will lose that water (over the next rainless day or two) through evaporation and transpiration and will become lighter. BUT they may not lift themselves back to their original position fully. Time will tell. 🤷🏻♀️🌸
