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.
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If you have questions about hydrangeas or any other plant needs, please contact us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!
