I live in Saddlebrook, Grayslake, IL. I'm interested in planting some hydrangeas - notably white. I'm fairly certain I'll need to treat the soil. What is the best time of year to plant these? I have an area that gets a lot of Morning/early afternoon sun and an area that gets a more gentle sun throughout the day. I mention Saddlebrook only because the soil is not the best in general with the top soil completely stripped and leaving a lot of clay throughout the subdivision. Thank you for your advice. Thank you. Tess In near the Grayslake Extension office. If there's someone I can call there, please let me know.

You should have little trouble growing white hydrangeas in your soil as you are not interested in changing flower color by acidification. A soil pH of 6.5 to 7.5 should work well. Generally adding some organic matter will improve the soil conditions and make establishment easier. This could be done to the entire bed or as you plant individual hydrangeas.

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