When it comes to a stunning front-yard flowering shrub, it's hard to top a hydrangea. They come in so many varieties and colors and are so eye-catching with their clusters of long-lasting blooms. It's easy to see why they're among the most popular landscaping plants out there.

But once you have them in the ground, they need to be regularly watered. In fact hydrangeas, whose name literally means "water vessel," love water and want a lot of it. Still, it's possible to overwater them—especially oakleaf hydrangeas. Here's everything you need to know about watering your hydrangeas, including how to make sure it's getting enough.

How to Properly Water Hydrangeas

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In general during the growing season hydrangeas need about an inch of water each week, whether from rain or from your garden hose. If the forecast doesn't call for much precipitation, you'll need to get out the hose.

As with most plants, the best way to get them water is to put it directly onto their roots. Avoid spraying the leaves or flowers, since it just wastes water and the water spots can damage leaves or cause fungus to grow.

To avoid losing too much to evaporation, water early in the morning or at night, close to sundown. You can also prevent evaporation by mulching around the plant.

How to Tell If Your Hydrangeas Need Water

Wilting Hydrangea

You might think that wilting leaves are a sign your hydrangeas need more water, and they are, but only to a point.

In fact, well-watered hydrangeas will still wilt if it's too hot out, or if they're getting too much afternoon sun. (If the plants typically perk up in the evening without water, that's a sign that heat or light are more the issue.)

The better way to tell if your hydrangea needs water: Feel the top inch of soil. If it is dry enough that none sticks to your finger, you should probably water it.

If they don't get enough water—or are watered inconsistently—eventually the leaves will become brown and crispy, the roots will become dry and brittle, and the plant will bloom poorly.

How to Tell Your Hydrangeas Have Too Much Water

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An overwatered hydrangea has brown, droopy blooms and wilted, discolored leaves. If the plant is very overwatered, the leaves will be squishy as well as wilting. You may also notice fungus on the soil, and evidence of root rot (soft, black roots).

When this happens, it may be that your soil isn't draining well. While hydrangeas need a lot of water, they also shouldn't sit in water, especially not stagnant water. If your soil is dense, made of heavy clay or silt, and if it tends to hold water, then try amending the soil with sand or other materials that will help aerate the dirt, allowing water to drain away.

How Often to Water Hydrangeas After Planting

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Though there is a way to plant them in the summer, the very best time to plant hydrangeas is in the fall, before frost starts to set in but after the growing season is over. That way the roots have time to establish a good root system before the plant starts growing and needs to divert its energy to blooming.

Just after planting, however, you should be watering your plant deeply every day for at least the first two weeks. This will help it get established, as well as help it recover from the stress of planting. Then water every other day for a few more weeks. When the growing season begins in the spring, start watering weekly (or more often if it's particularly dry or hot out).

Other Factors to Consider

If you're hoping to put a grocery store hydrangea in the ground, it probably won't work.
Remember that most hydrangeas do best with some afternoon shade, though there are varieties that can take more sun.
Note that when (or if) you prune depends a lot on what kind of hydrangea you have.
Not seeing the blooms you expected? Bloom times also depend on the variety.