Hydrangea Dear Dolores®

Dear Dolores® is the reblooming bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Wyatt LeFever’, a compact shrub with bright green foliage. It grows about 5 feet tall and wide and carries blue or pink flowers from spring through fall; flower color responds to soil acidity. [Southern Living Plants](https://southernlivingplants.com/the-collection/plant/dear-dolores-hydrangea/) [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-macrophylla/). ## Garden Placement and Seasonal Display Grow it in part shade to shade, in moist, well-drained soil. It is suited to USDA Zones 5a–9b and has medium water needs. Use it as an accent, hedge, mass planting, or for cut flowers. Southern Living notes its fast growth and repeat bloom; bigleaf hydrangeas generally benefit from protection from hot afternoon sun. [Southern Living Plants](https://southernlivingplants.com/the-collection/plant/dear-dolores-hydrangea/) [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-macrophylla/). ## Maintenance Water the root ball before planting, then water deeply to settle the soil. Mulch 1–2 inches around the base while keeping mulch away from stems. Southern Living recommends yearly spring fertilizer and pruning after fall bloom; prune lightly to shape. Maintain consistent moisture in hot weather and provide good drainage. [Southern Living fact sheet](https://southernlivingplants.com/wp-content/uploads/Hydrangea_Dear_Dolores.pdf) [Southern Living Plants](https://southernlivingplants.com/the-collection/plant/dear-dolores-hydrangea/).