Hydrangea “Avant Garde”

Question

I purchased Hydrangea “Avant Garde” some years ago from QVC (ultimately from Thompson & Morgan I believe) and right from the start it drooped as the heads were too heavy for the stems. I keep reading how strong the stems are and they never droop even when the heads are full of rain! Can you tell me please if I am doing anything wrong in caring for it, but as I say, my hydrangea’s stems have always been curved.
Thank you
Regards
Denise Downing

Answer 1

This is a large mophead variety and can become heavy and hang; wind and rain can cause this to occur; not necessarily a week plant.

Water hydrangeas at the bottom of the shrub rather than from overhead. Overhead watering can weigh down the flowers, causing them to flop over.

Deadhead fading blooms, clipping them off just under the flower heads. Removing the faded blooms reduces the top-heaviness of the shrub. You can also cut off some of the heaviest flowers while that are in bloom and arrange them in a vase to enjoy them indoors.
Leave 18 to 24 inches of stems behind when you prune your hydrangea. Do this rather than cutting branches back to the ground. The thick, older stems provide a sturdy base for new growth, reducing the likelihood that the stems will flop over when in bloom.