Posts By

Jill Drago

Jill is currently a hobby gardener and stay at home mom. Her love for gardening came from a high school job at a local garden center. Jill then earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Horticulture and Turfgrass Management from the University of Rhode Island. She has spent her years post college as a plant recorder at a botanical garden, golf course horticulturist, and high end gardener. Jill specializes in coastal plantings in zone 6b.

Several slightly domed clusters of Hydrangea flowers bloom in a vibrant array of colors. The delicate petals showcase shades of pink, blue, purple, and yellow, creating a captivating spectacle. Intermingled among the blossoms, glimpses of lush green leaves add a refreshing touch of verdant beauty.

Shrubs

How Long Does it Take For Hydrangea Blooms to Change Colors?

Are your hydrangea flowers the wrong color? This can be so disappointing. Luckily it is a simple process to change the color of your hydrangea flowers, but how long will this take? Will the blossoms change color in this growing season or will it take years and years? In this article, hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago will go over how long this process will take and how to do it correctly.

A close-up reveals a cluster of Hydrangea flowers with a slightly domed shape. The vibrant blue blooms catch the sunlight, creating a beautiful purple hue. Lush green leaves add to the overall charm, while a glimpse of more flowers can be seen in the background.

Shrubs

15 Hydrangea Varieties That Thrive in the Shade

Are you a hydrangea lover that is looking to add some of their classic beauty to the shady spots of your garden? In this article hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago will list 15 varieties that will compliment your shady gardens beautifully.

Close up of a gardener wearing green gloves using a shovel to dig a hole in a garden next to a small hydrangea plant with bright pink flowers. Another small hydrangea grows in the background with pale green flowers. The garden is lined with round concrete stones.

Shrubs

Hydrangea Spacing: How Far Apart Should You Plant Hydrangeas?

Thinking of planting several hydrrangea shrubs this season but aren't quite sure how far apart they need to be? The answer to this question will depend quite a bit on the type of hydrangea you plant, and where you plant them. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago walks through how far apart you should be spacing the hydrangeas in your garden.

Bloomstruck Hydrangea Blossoming in Garden

Shrubs

How to Plant, Grow, and Care For BloomStruck® Hydrangeas

Looking for a popular type of hydrangea that's both easy to grow, and available across most nurseries across many hardiness zones? Bloomstruck hydrangeas are popular for a reason, and are fairly low-maintenance compared to other hydrangea types. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago examines all you need to know about Bloomstruck Hydrangeas, including their maintenance and care.

Beautiful blooming hydrangea with pink and purple flowers in the garden.

Shrubs

How Long Do Hydrangeas Bloom Each Season?

Are your hydrangeas starting to flower, and you've become curious how long their blooms are going to stick around? In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago examines how long most hydrangeas will bloom, depending on the type of species you are growing, and the hardiness zone t hey are grown in.

Woman Planting Hydrangeas in Garden with Pink Flowers Blooming

Shrubs

When is it Too Late to Plant Hydrangeas?

If planting hydrangeas is on your gardening to-do list this year but you are wondering if you are too late in the season, you have come to the right place! In this article, hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago will lay out when it is too late to plant your hydrangeas and when the best time to plant is.

Gardener pruning butterfly bush

Shrubs

How to Prune a Butterfly Bush in 7 Easy Steps

Butterfly Bushes are wonderful pollinator attractors, but can become unruly if they aren't kept to a regular pruning schedule. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago walks through the exact steps you'll want to follow when pruning your butterfly bushes this season.

Shrubs

When Should You Prune Hydrangeas?

Do you need to prune your hydrangeas, but aren't sure if it's better to prune them in the spring or the wintertime? Picking the perfect time to prune them can be the difference between full or failed blooms come summertime. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago examines the best time of year to prune your hydrangeas.

Problems

11 Common Problems With Rhododendrons You Shouldn’t Ignore

Are you Rhododendrons looking a bit worse for wear this season? There are many common issues that can impact the way your rhododendrons look. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago shares the most common problems that may plague your Rhododendrons, and what to do about each issue.

Big flowering hydrangeas growing in garden with green foliage.

Shrubs

How Big Will Hydrangeas Grow When Fully Mature?

Curious to know how big your hydrangeas will grow when fully mature? While this will depend on many factors, including the type of hydrangea you grow, there are some basic characteristics of this popular shrub. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago examines the typical hydrangea size by species, with a comprehensive growth chart for each.

Hydrangea flowers blooming in a bright blue color with green foliage in the background.

Shrubs

Myth or Fact: Can Vinegar Make Hydrangeas Turn Blue?

There are many different gardening myths that can be de-bunked when it comes to hydrangeas, and what exactly turns their flowers blue. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago shares her thoughts around using Vinegar to have an impact on the bloom color of hydrangeas, and if it will actually turn their flowers blue.

Shrubs

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Hydrangea ‘Strawberry Sundae’

Are you looking for the perfect hydrangea variety to add to your garden this season? There are many to choose from, but hydrangea 'Strawberry Sundae' is a gardener favorite. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago shares all you need to know about this popular hydrangea, including its maintenance and care needs.

Early summer blooming flowers in the garden

Flowers

37 Flowering Plants That Bloom in Early Summer

Are you looking for some flowering plants that will bloom in early summer? There are many different plants to choose from, depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago shares her favorite early summer flowering plants you can plant this season!

eggshells hydrangeas

Shrubs

Are Eggshells Good or Bad For Hydrangeas?

Thinking of using eggshells with your hydrangeas this season? Many gardeners swear by eggshells as a fertilizer component, but will they have a positive or negative impact on your beautiful hydrangeas? In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago examines this common garden practice and if it's one you should avoid this season.

May Blooming Perennial Flower in Garden

Flowers

17 May Blooming Perennials to Plant Right Now

Are you looking for some perennials you can plant now that will bloom in the month of May? There are a number of different flowering perennials you can plant right now, and have blooming this month! In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago shares her favorite May blooming perennials to get into the ground as soon as possible.