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The Ultimate Guide to Growing Hydrangea Shrubs: Pro Tips for Success

The beautiful hydrangea is a gardener's favorite all over the world. For centuries, the elegant appearance and classic colors of hydrangea shrubs have made them a favorite in homes from the urban center to the rural countryside.

Although relatively easy to grow, the plants need some care and attention. The level of necessary work will depend on the varieties you choose to plant.

An Asian native species, this shrub is well-adapted to the United States and can thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones three through nine. Selection involves the gardeners finding which hydrangea shrubs work in their specific areas. This plant prefers a sunny spot in the yard and demands at least six hours daily to bask in the sunshine. However, it can also tolerate some shade, particularly in the afternoon.

It loves woody, moist soil—but don't overwet it, as too much moisture can cause rot, mold, and mildew. This post will explore hydrangeas in greater depth and provide you with all the growing information you’ll need to enjoy a pleasurable experience and beautiful, blooming hydrangea shrubs.

Hydrangea Shrub Varieties

There are two main categories of hydrangeas: those that flower on old growth and those that bloom on new growth.

NOTE: Old-growth hydrangeas are not popular with most gardeners due to their "picky" nature, but it is at least worth noting their existence to avoid purchasing them by mistake. We carry the better-natured new-growth variety at TN Nursery.

Old-Growth Hydrangeas

These hydrangea varieties grow from the ground up. They start flowering at a certain height, usually one to two years after planting.

Although they are lovely, they also require a bit more patience. Most gardeners prefer the second type, new-growth hydrangeas.

New-Growth Hydrangeas

These varieties bloom on the previous year's growth and will kick off the flowering process when new shoots grow from their root system.

Some of the most popular new-growth hydrangeas you can plant in your garden include Pee gee Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata Grandiflora), the lovely Nikko Blue Hydrangea, Snow Hill Hydrangea, and Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens).

Hydrangea Colors

Gardeners select many different species of Hydrangeas for their flower colors, which range from various blues to purples, reds, pinks, and whites.

Hydrangeas famously "change colors" depending on soil quality. Thus, you might get a different color than you expected.

That phenomenon is a result of your soil's acidity level. The earth contains many natural minerals and metals, including aluminum, which needs acidity for absorption and determines the color of the hydrangea flower.

Selecting Hydrangea Plants

When choosing the hydrangea varieties you want to plant in your garden, consider their color patterning and how tall they will grow.

For example, white flowers work best against dark-colored fences or leafy, dark-green trees. Gardeners often select Snow Hill Hydrangeas as a backdrop for richer-colored flowers like roses and daylilies.

It would help if you also consider your climate and the length of time you plan to grow your hydrangeas. Some varieties will only flower at specific temperatures at certain times of the year and may not bloom when planted outside their ideal conditions.

When and How to Plant Hydrangea Flowers

The best time to plant hydrangea is in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. However, if your local climate does not experience fall frost, you can plant them in late summer or early fall.

  • Dig a hole twice as wide and just slightly shallower than the container they are currently in. Then, fill the bottom of the planting hole with a mix of composted organic matter and soil from around your garden so the roots can soak up the nutrients.
  • Place your hydrangea plant(s) in the ground and backfill it with more organic material, ensuring a slightly raised mound around each plant's stem. The stems usually produce new roots from where they meet the soil surface.
  • You also want to ensure that the plants are growing straight, not leaning to one side or another, as this can cause problems later on when they try to grow too large for their allocated space.
  • Water thoroughly after planting and continue to do so every few days until the soil becomes moist.
  • If you live in a climate with snow, remove any that accumulates over your hydrangea buds during winter. This will help protect them from cold damage and help them blossom the following year.
  • After the growing season, add an inch to two inches of hardwood mulch around the base of your hydrangea. The wood will break down, release nutrients, and insulate your plant against frigid winter temperatures.

Hydrangea Flowers Care Needs (They have such an easy-going nature!)

Hydrangea's quick growth rate and low maintenance requirements have earned it the reputation as the perfect flower to plant once and then enjoy.

Here is some information regarding caring for established shrubs.

Soil

  • Hydrangeas typically grow best in finely mulched, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH.
  • If your plants appear to be wilting or not thriving despite receiving adequate water, you should check the soil's pH level first.
  • Add lime to raise your soil's pH level if it is acidic, and add sulfur if it is alkaline.
  • A good practice is monitoring the soil's pH and adjusting it as needed to ensure it doesn't fall below a range of five or over nine, which will also damage the plants.

Sun

  • Most variants of hydrangea grow best in total sun exposure, requiring a minimum of six to eight hours of sunlight per day. However, some will tolerate partial shade--with less prolific blooming.
  • Space the plants adequately for enhanced air circulation and an effective leaf-drying process after rain showers.

Water

  • Hydrangea flowers need one to two inches of water weekly to thrive and grow into large, healthy bushes.
  • If they receive too little water, the blooms will dry up and drop from the stems; if they receive too much water, they will become limp and unattractive.
  • Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to directly water the plant's roots where it's most effective.

Fertilizer

  • Hydrangeas flourish when given a slow-release fertilizer every six weeks from spring through fall.
  • A high-nitrogen fertilizer will boost blooming by stimulating new plant growth.
  • However, feed them appropriately, as you may otherwise have leafy and thick plants with very few blooms.
  • Do not fertilize after the blooming period is over unless you want to encourage new growth for next year—then only use organic fertilizer, as it will be much less harmful than chemicals would be.

Temperature and Humidity

  • Hydrangea plants prefer pretty mild temperature zones–check your USDA growing zone for a species that will perform well for you year after year.
  • Too much exposure to cold weather can cause the blooms to drop off the stems. If this happens, don't worry - your plants will still grow new flowers in spring.
  • If you reside in a USDA zone with frigid wintertime temperatures, protect your hydrangeas by removing all foliage on their stems and branches and covering them with a one- to two-inch thick layer of mulch.

Pruning

  • Prune your hydrangeas in fall or early spring to remove dead blooms and stems, crossing stems and branches that grow at odd angles.
  • In addition, you should stake tall blooming stalks during the growing season. This practice will reinforce them so they can hold up the flowers.

Pest control for Hydrangea Plants

Hydrangea plants are hardy and generally pest-resistant. But what do you do if you experience an issue anyway? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Several pests, including aphids, Japanese beetles, and spider mites, may impact your hydrangea plants.
  • Ladybugs are your friend--they eat aphids and spider mites. If you see them, let them be!
  • Using an alcohol-soaked cotton ball or swab, you may manually wipe aphids from the leaves. For other pests, apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil according to manufacturer instructions.
  • Be sure to spray your entire plant, including the undersides of the leaves.

Hydrangea Shrubs Are an Excellent Addition to Your Garden

Hydrangea shrubs require minimal care and come in an extensive range of colors to suit almost any color story. Once you master the care techniques, you will have a lovely, long-lived plant for decades.

TN Nursery has healthy and robust hydrangea shrubs that will add vibrant floral colors and beautiful foliage to your garden from spring until late summer every year.

Shop All Our Flowering Shrubs

Visit our online shop for a wide selection of plants and trees, or stop by our store in Tennessee!

We offer fast shipping nationwide so that you can transform your garden today!

If you have questions about hydrangeas or any other plant needs, please contact us at customerservice@tennesseewholesalenursery.com. We’d love to hear from you!

Snowball Hydrangea - TN Nursery

Snowball Hydrangea

Large Snowball Hydrangea is a shrub featuring large, conical clusters of white, showy flowers that gradually turn pink or red as they mature, creating a stunning display in gardens and landscapes. Incorporating them into landscaping offers various benefits that contribute to the beauty and versatility of outdoor spaces. These elegant shrubs bring striking flowers, adaptability, low-maintenance care, potential for various uses, and a timeless charm to garden settings. Large a dinner plate Snowball blooms have show-stopping flowers One of the primary advantages is it's appearance. The shrub's large, conical clusters of white blooms, which gradually turn pink as they age, create a stunning visual display that adds vibrancy and elegance to the garden. These long-lasting flowers make it a captivating focal point or a graceful addition to garden borders. The adaptability of it enhances its value in landscaping. This adaptability allows for versatile placement within the landscape, whether used as a specimen plant, hedge, or foundation planting. Its tolerance to urban conditions also makes it suitable for various garden settings. The low-maintenance care it requires makes it a practical choice for landscapers. Once established, it requires minimal intervention, making it a suitable option for gardeners of all experience levels. Its sturdy stems and resistance to pests and diseases contribute to its ease of care and long-term beauty. It offers the potential for various uses in landscaping. Its natural growth habit lends itself to being pruned into a tree form, creating an eye-catching accent or focal point. Alternatively, it can be grown as a large shrub or trained as a hedge to create privacy, add structure, or define garden spaces. Its versatility makes it adaptable to a range of design intentions. Furthermore, it adds a timeless charm to landscaping. Its classic appearance and enduring beauty evoke a sense of nostalgia and elegance. Whether used in contemporary or traditional garden designs, it brings a touch of grace and sophistication. In conclusion, it offers a range of benefits when used in landscaping projects. Its stunning flowers, adaptability, low-maintenance care, potential for various uses, and timeless charm make it a valuable asset in outdoor spaces. By thoughtfully incorporating it into landscape designs, one can create visually captivating, versatile, and enduringly beautiful gardens that enrich the outdoor experience. Get your dinnerplate snowball shrubs from TN Nursery The Large Snowball Hydrangea, scientifically known as Hydrangea arborescens 'Grandiflora,' is a magnificent, eye-catching, deciduous shrub graces gardens and landscapes with stunning blooms. This hydrangea variety belongs to the family Hydrangeaceae and is native to the eastern United States. Its common name, "Large Snowball," aptly describes its distinctive floral display. Large Snowball Hydrangea Bloom In Spring and Summer Months Standing at approximately 3 to 5 feet tall and equally wide, this shrub boasts a rounded and robust growth habit. Its lush green foliage serves as an elegant backdrop for the main attraction – the massive spherical flower clusters. These bloom from late spring through summer and can be 8 inches in diameter, often surpassing the size of the plant itself. The flowers initially emerge as vibrant lime-green buds, gradually transitioning into a pristine, snow-white color as they mature. These immense, snowball-like blooms create a breathtaking spectacle that draws the admiration of garden enthusiasts and passersby. The shrub is known for its adaptability and ability to thrive in various garden conditions. It prefers well-draining soil and benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells. Partisan shade to total sun is ideal for this hydrangea, allowing it to flourish and produce iconic blooms. Large Snowball Hydrangea Is Used For A Focal Point Gardeners often use this hydrangea as a focal point in their landscapes or as part of mixed shrub borders. Its showy blooms make it a favorite choice for fresh floral arrangements and bouquets, adding a hint of grace and pleasure to any floral display. In conclusion, the Large Snowball Hydrangea is a captivating ornamental shrub celebrated for its awe-inspiring, snowball-like flowers. Its resilience and adaptability make it a beloved addition to gardens across the United States, where it continues to enchant with its stunning blossoms year after year. Whether planted as a solitary specimen or in a group, this hydrangea never fails to impress with its natural beauty and timeless appeal. 

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Blue Hydrangea - TN Nursery

Blue Hydrangea

Blue Hydrangea has vibrant dinnerplate blooms, lush foliage, and versatility make it famous for gardens, parks, and residential landscapes. Scientifically known as Hydrangea macrophylla, it is a captivating flowering shrub celebrated for its enchanting beauty and the tranquil ambiance of gardens and landscapes. Revered for its vibrant azure blossoms, Blue Hydrangea is a botanical masterpiece that has charmed horticulturists and nature enthusiasts for generations. Blue Hydrangea's large, globe-like flowers come in various shades of blue, ranging from pale pastels to deep blues. The flowers exhibit shades of blue in acidic soils, while alkaline soils result in pink or lavender hues. This plant's unique trait adds surprise and intrigue. It is celebrated for its romantic and nostalgic appeal, often gracing wedding bouquets and gardens to create an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The large, mophead-like flower clusters and the lacecap varieties with their delicate center blooms surrounded by larger petals offer diverse options for gardeners seeking to create their botanical dreamscape. One of the primary benefits of the shrub in landscaping is its aesthetic appeal. The flowers create a captivating visual display. These colorful blooms add a touch of elegance and charm to any landscape, making it a focal point or a beautiful backdrop for other plants and features. Furthermore, it is a deciduous shrub, which sheds its leaves during winter. This characteristic allows for seasonal changes in the landscape, providing diversity and interest throughout the year. In autumn, the leaves turn shades of red, orange, and yellow, adding another layer of visual appeal to the garden. Aside from its beauty, the shrub also offers functional benefits. As a medium to large-sized shrub, it can be used to create hedges or borders, providing privacy and defining different areas within the landscape. Its dense foliage can act as a natural windbreak, protecting more delicate plants and providing shelter for small wildlife. This deciduous shrub typically grows three to six feet tall with glossy, dark green leaves forming a dense, rounded canopy. Its leaves provide an elegant backdrop for the star of the show - the magnificent clusters of blue blossoms. These breathtaking blooms comprise numerous tiny, delicate flowers that create a visually stunning spectacle. The coloration of the blossoms can range from sky blue to deep indigo, with variations influenced by soil pH levels. Blue Hydrangea Is Easy To Care For Making it suitable for experienced and novice gardeners. It prefers partial shade, making it adaptable to various environments. Once established, it requires minimal maintenance. Another advantage of the shrub in landscaping is it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. The nectar-rich flowers serve as a valuable food source for these essential insects, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the garden. It can be used in various landscape styles, from formal gardens to more relaxed, cottage-like settings. Its versatility allows it to fit into multiple design schemes, complementing different plants and elements within the landscape. Blue Hydrangea is a botanical wonder that transcends mere horticulture. Its breathtaking beauty, the magic of color-changing flowers, and its cultural significance firmly establish it as a symbol of grace, charm, and the timeless appeal of nature's artistic creations. Whether adorning a garden or an event, it remains an enduring symbol of beauty and sentiment, captivating all fortunate enough to behold its splendor. In conclusion, the blue hydrangea shrub is an excellent addition to any landscaping project due to its enchanting beauty, functional benefits, low maintenance requirements, and capacity to attract pollinators. Its ability to adapt to various environments and landscape styles makes it a valuable and versatile choice for enhancing outdoor spaces' overall aesthetics and functionality. Order your Blue Hydrangea at TN Nursery

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Snow Hill Hydrangea - TN Nursery

Snow Hill Hydrangea

Snow Hill Hydrangea is a compact deciduous shrub with large rounded clusters of white, snowball-like flowers, making it a popular choice for garden borders and as a foundation plant. They bring various benefits to landscaping projects, contributing to outdoor spaces' visual aesthetics, versatility, and overall charm. This hydrangea cultivar offers unique features that make it a valuable choice for various landscape designs. One of the primary benefits of the Snow Hill Hydrangea in landscaping is its stunning floral display. Snow Hill Hydrangea produces large, rounded clusters of white flowers during summer. These blooms add a touch of elegance and brightness to the landscape, creating a focal point that can easily enhance the overall beauty of gardens, borders, and other outdoor settings. Its compact growth habit and manageable size make it great for smaller gardens or areas with limited space. Its relatively modest dimensions ensure it can seamlessly incorporate into various landscape designs, from urban courtyards to suburban yards. This adaptability increases its potential to bring beauty to different outdoor environments. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it also helps with the landscape's biodiversity. The blooms nourish nectar for pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and helping maintain a healthy wildlife balance. Additionally, the shrub's dense foliage offers shelter for smaller creatures and nesting sites for birds, further enriching the ecological value of the landscape. Its ability to do well in different soil types and conditions enhances its landscaping benefits. It can grow well in both sun and partial shade, adapting to lighting conditions. This flexibility makes it suitable for various planting locations, allowing homeowners and landscape professionals to incorporate it into diverse design concepts. In conclusion, it offers various many benefits that contribute to landscaping projects. Its exquisite floral display, compact growth habit, ecological contributions, and adaptability make it a valuable addition to outdoor spaces. By integrating it into landscape plans, individuals can create visually pleasing, environmentally supportive, and versatile landscapes that bring beauty and vitality to their surroundings. Buy your Snow Hill Hydrangea from TN Nursery! The Snow Hill Hydrangea, scientifically known as Hydrangea arborescens 'Snow Hill,' is a captivating and ornamental shrub that graces gardens with its ethereal beauty. Native to the U.S., this small shrub belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family and is beloved for its stunning floral displays and lush foliage. Standing at a moderate height of 3 to 5 feet, it boasts an elegant, compact form that makes it an ideal choice for small and large garden spaces. Its elliptical, dark green leaves provide a rich backdrop for the star of the show - its magnificent blooms. These blooms are characterized by mesmerizing clusters of delicate, white flowers in late spring to early summer. Each flower head comprises numerous tiny, fertile flowers surrounded by showy, sterile florets, creating a striking contrast. Snow Hill Hydrangea Has Unique Blooms Foliage  One of the unique features of it is its ability to adapt to various soil types, making it a versatile addition to garden landscapes. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soils but can tolerate multiple conditions, from sandy to clay-rich soils. This adaptability and preference for partial to full sunlight make it a hardy and low-maintenance shrub for garden enthusiasts. As the seasons progress, it undergoes subtle transformations. In the fall, its foliage takes on shades of yellow and gold, adding a warm and vibrant touch to the autumn landscape. After the blooming season, the dried flower heads persist through winter, providing visual interest and textural contrast against the snow or frost. Snow Hill Hydrangea Looks Great Alone Or In Mass Plantings   Gardeners often use it as focal points in mixed borders, foundations, or mass plantings to create a stunning visual impact. Its graceful, arching branches and timeless beauty make it a cherished addition to gardens, where it not only captivates with its seasonal displays but also draws pollinators. In conclusion, the Snow Hill Hydrangea is a delightful and versatile shrub that enchants gardeners with its elegant form, radiant white blooms, and adaptability to various growing conditions. Its power to flourish in diverse soil types and its visual appeal throughout the seasons make it a beloved choice for those seeking to adorn their landscapes with nature's beauty.

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Hydrangea Arborescence Live Stakes - TN Nursery

Hydrangea Arborescence Live Stakes

Hydrangea Arborescence Live Stakes offer a range of benefits when incorporated into landscaping designs, making it a popular choice among landscape designers and enthusiasts. Its distinctive characteristics, versatility, and aesthetic appeal contribute to its value in creating beautiful outdoor spaces. Hydrangea arborescens, when mature, has large, showy flower clusters comprised of tiny individual flowers in various shades. The flowers create a captivating visual display that adds a touch of charm to gardens, pathways, and outdoor settings. The blooms come in shades, including white and light pink, allowing versatility in color schemes and design themes. Beyond their visual appeal, they are valued for their adaptability to different growing conditions. These plants exhibit a remarkable tolerance for various soil types and moisture levels, making them well-suited for diverse landscape environments. This adaptability ensures that they can thrive in multiple locations, from sunny spots to partial shade areas, providing landscapers with flexibility in placement. Another notable benefit of using this varietys is their ability to attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies. This not only adds a dynamic element to the landscape but also contributes to the overall health and biodiversity of the ecosystem. The presence of pollinators can enhance the vibrancy of the garden and promote the reproduction of other plant species. They can also play a role in creating privacy screens or natural barriers within the landscape. When strategically planted, their dense foliage can help shield outdoor areas from prying eyes or unwanted views, enhancing the sense of seclusion and tranquility in a garden or yard. Furthermore, these plants are relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. This aspect makes them appealing to both seasoned gardeners and those new to landscaping. They are hardy and resistant to diseases, improving their ease of cultivation and reducing the need for constant monitoring and interventions. In conclusion, these stakes bring multiple benefits to landscaping projects. From their captivating appearance and adaptability to their role in attracting pollinators and providing privacy, these plants contribute to outdoor spaces' aesthetic, environmental, and functional aspects. Their presence enhances the beauty and vitality of landscapes while requiring only moderate maintenance, making them a valuable asset in landscaping designs. Order your Hydrangea Arborescens Live Stakes from TN Nursery today! Hydrangea Arborescens is a captivating and versatile deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. Revered for its enchanting beauty, this plant has found its way into gardens, landscapes, and natural habitats, enchanting all who encounter it. One particularly intriguing way to propagate and cultivate this species is through live stakes, a horticultural wonder that serves aesthetic and ecological purposes. Live stakes are cuttings that are specially prepared for transplanting. They are typically harvested in early spring when the plant's dormant energy is concentrated in its roots, ensuring a higher rate of survival and establishment. These stakes come in various lengths, usually between 12 to 24 inches, and are derived from the shrub's young, vigorous branches. When you hold a live stake, you'll notice its unique qualities. The stem is woody yet pliable, making it perfect for installation in various soil types. Its foliage is marked by opposite leaves that are bright green and serrated along the edges, adding a hint of grace to any garden. The Live Stake can be planted directly into the ground or used to propagate new plants by encouraging root development. Hydrangea Arborescens Live Stakes Are Low-maintenance The live stakes are a testament to nature's resilience and adaptability. Once established, they demonstrate remarkable vigor and resilience, thriving in diverse environmental conditions. Their lush green foliage provides an exquisite backdrop to their main attraction – the beautiful blooms. Large, round clusters of delicate, fertile flowers appear in summer, drawing pollinators and garden enthusiasts alike. The blooms range from creamy white to pale green, creating a soft, ethereal ambiance in the landscape. Live stakes contribute to a garden's aesthetics and serve an essential ecological function. They provide shelter and forage for various insects, birds, and small mammals, making them an integral part of the local ecosystem. Moreover, the roots of live stakes help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making them an excellent choice for landscaping in areas prone to erosion. In conclusion, Hydrangea Arborescens Live Stakes is a remarkable embodiment of the beauty and resilience of nature. They captivate the eye with their lush foliage and delicate blooms while playing a vital role in supporting local wildlife and maintaining soil integrity. Whether used for ornamental purposes or ecological restoration, these Live Stakes offer a connection to the natural world that is both enchanting and enduring.

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