What’s the secret to growing lush hydrangea?

Call your local county extension agent. He or she will be able to get you in touch with an expert from your state university to help you with this. I am in Northern Arkansas, what I would do here will be entirely different than what you should do. Hope this helps.

You can water them more and use a Miracle Gro fertilizer special for hydrangea type plants.

Here are some sites that discuss growing hydrangea in your area:

http://www.lsuagcenter.com/portals/our_offices/parishes/east%20baton%20rouge/features/lawn_garden/hydrangeas-for-shade-and-sun

http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/la/blog_02/im_all_about_hydrangeas/

This site details what vegetables and flowers to plant in each month:

http://www.nola.com/homegarden/index.ssf/2016/01/your_yearly_gardening_calendar.html

The first couple of years you have to cover them up with a burlap cloth To protect them. They love water in the summer. Fertiliz with miracle grower once a month. Follow their instructions.

Thanks!! They get watered regularly (timer) but fertilizer is a great idea.

for the proper answer to your question.https://www.almanac.com/plant/hydrangea

Thanks for your suggestions!!! I am watering regularly (a timer) but will fertilize today. I’m interested in the burlap suggestion. Is it because of the winter or strong winds or why?