Hydrangea aspera prefers moist, well-drained soil and benefits from consistent watering, as it does not tolerate drying out. In dry weather, thoroughly soak the roots with a hose to help the plant recover if it begins to wilt.

Remove faded flowerheads in spring after the danger of frosts, cutting back the flowered stems to a strong pair of buds. Take out misplaced or diseased shoots. Mulch young plants with a well-rotted manure or compost in spring.

Once established, remove a quarter to a third of the shoots to the base of the plant in late winter or early spring.