Hydrangeas are really having a moment. They brighten up any home, whether they are in a flower bed or pots outside the front door. And with a little care, you can keep them blooming well into Autumn — all it takes is staying on top of one simple task each week, along with your usual garden upkeep.

According to an expert gardener, hydrangea blooms can last from July until October. However, with the heatwaves battering the UK this summer, she urged gardeners to do one thing every week to ensure hydrangeas last as long as possible. This is especially true if you’ve just planted a new one, though even older hydrangeas can struggle in hot, dry spells.

"In a dry summer like this one, new plants must be watered to survive and established bushes may need an occasional bucketful to keep the leaves from drooping," expert gardener Claire Smith explained to Country Living.

While watering your hydrangeas weekly is a must, gardeners need to be careful not to give them too much water. 

That said, overwatering can be just as harmful. They generally like about an inch of water per week during the growing season, whether it comes from rainfall or your watering can.

The water should always be added to the base of the plant — not the leaves or stems — so that the soil stays hydrated.

When it comes to the soil, hydrangeas will cope with most types, even clay, but what really matters is where you plant them. A semi-shady spot with some shelter from cold winds will set them up for success.

Beyond watering, there are a few extra tricks to help them thrive. Mulching around the base will help lock in moisture and stop roots from overheating. Timely pruning can also keep your hydrangeas looking their best — you can find a guide for that here.

The gardener advised that any hydrangeas that flowered earlier this year due to the warm weather may not last quite as long.