Our local climate includes hot summers, humidity, and clay-heavy soils. Hydrangeas can thrive here with the right setup:

• Morning sun + afternoon shade works best for most varieties
• Consistent watering is critical during summer heat
• Compost improves drainage in clay soil
• Mulch helps retain moisture and protect roots

One of the most important things to understand about hydrangeas is that watering and pruning needs vary by variety. Knowing the difference helps ensure healthy growth and better blooms.

Spring-Flowering Native Shrubs

(Includes: Virginia Sweetspire, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Arrowwood Viburnum, Spicebush, American Beautyberry)

✂️ Pruning:

• Prune immediately after flowering if shaping is needed
• Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches at any time
• Avoid heavy pruning in fall or winter, as many bloom on old wood

✔️ These shrubs provide early-season nectar and often produce berries that feed wildlife later in the year.

Summer-Flowering Native Perennials

(Includes: Black-Eyed Susan, Purple Coneflower, Bee Balm, Blazing Star, Joe-Pye Weed)

✂️ Pruning:

• Remove spent flowers to encourage additional blooms if desired
• Leave seed heads through fall and winter to feed birds and support beneficial insects
• Cut stems back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins

✔️ Leaving stems standing through winter provides valuable habitat for native bees and other pollinators.

Native Ornamental Grasses

(Includes: Little Bluestem, Switchgrass, Pink Muhly Grass, River Oats)

✂️ Pruning:

• Leave foliage standing through winter for wildlife habitat and winter interest
• Cut plants back to 4–6 inches in late winter or early spring
• Avoid cutting during fall, as the foliage helps protect the crown

✔️ Native grasses require very little maintenance and add year-round texture to Richmond landscapes.

• • Water deeply during the first growing season to encourage deep root development
  • Apply 2–3 inches of mulch to conserve moisture, reduce weeds, and regulate soil temperature
  • Avoid overhead watering during hot, humid weather to help reduce the risk of foliar diseases
  • Monitor newly planted natives during periods of drought, especially through their first summer
  • Fertilize sparingly, if at all. Most native plants thrive in Richmond’s soils without routine fertilizer. If needed, apply a light layer of compost or a slow-release, organic fertilizer in early spring.

  Native plants are naturally adapted to Virginia’s climate and soils, so they typically require less watering, fertilizer, and maintenance than non-native landscape plants once established. Improving soil with compost before planting can help young plants establish more quickly, but avoid heavily amending the soil, as many native species perform best in conditions similar to their natural habitat.