Hydrangea Plant Guide: Grow Hydrangeas & Caring for Different Types
If you’re excited about adding those beautiful hydrangeas to your yard, I’ve got you covered with some easy tips and tricks for growing and caring for various types of hydrangeas. Learn how to grow hydrangeas and make make your hydrangea-growing journey a breeze!
Choosing the Best Place to Grow Hydrangeas
When it comes to finding the perfect spot for your hydrangea plants, keep in mind that they have their preferences. Most types of hydrangeas prefer morning sun with some afternoon shade, especially in warmer climates. This prevents them from getting scorched by the heat of summer. If you’re in a colder climate, they can handle a bit more sun.
Preparing the Perfect Soil to Grow Hydrangeas: Setting the Stage for Blooming Success
When it comes to growing hydrangeas, creating a nurturing environment for your beloved hydrangeas, soil preparation plays a pivotal role. From providing a strong foundation for growth to influencing flower color, the soil sets the stage for blooming success. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dig into the details of soil prep for your cherished hydrangea plants.
Choosing the Right Location & Timing to Grow Hydrangeas
Early spring is the prime time for soil preparation, just as your hydrangeas are beginning to wake up from their winter slumber. The best location for planting depends on the type of hydrangea you have. Bigleaf hydrangeas thrive in partial shade, while panicle hydrangeas and smooth hydrangeas can tolerate full sun. Oakleaf hydrangeas appreciate afternoon shade in warmer climates. Take note of the specific requirements of your chosen hydrangea type to ensure it gets the best possible start.
Creating the Ideal Soil Composition to Grow Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas have a variety of preferences when it comes to soil. Well-drained soil is crucial, as these plants don’t like to sit in waterlogged conditions. To improve drainage, consider amending the soil with organic material like peat moss. This addition not only aids in water retention but also helps provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Good drainage is key, as it prevents issues like root rot and fungal diseases, ensuring your hydrangeas stay vibrant and disease-free.
Adjusting Soil pH for Flower Color
Did you know that the pH of your soil can influence the color of your hydrangea flowers? For blue flowers, aim for a more acidic soil by adding materials like aluminum sulfate. If you’re dreaming of pink blooms, add lime to make the soil slightly more alkaline. Testing your soil’s pH is a valuable step, allowing you to make the necessary adjustments for your desired flower color. It’s like being your hydrangea’s personal stylist, choosing their outfit for the season!
Understanding Different Hydrangea Types
There are several types of hydrangeas, each with its own unique characteristics. Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) are famous for their large, showy flowers and come in varieties with pink, blue, or white flowers depending on the soil’s pH level. Oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) boast stunning foliage and are perfect for colder climates. Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) thrive in various conditions and are known for their cone-shaped flower heads that bloom in late summer. Smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) are hardy and produce lovely white flower clusters.
Popular Types of Hydrangeas to Grow & Their Gorgeous Bloom Times
If you’re a fan of captivating blooms that steal the show in your garden, hydrangeas are undoubtedly on your radar. These versatile beauties come in various types, each with its own unique charm and bloom time. Let’s take a delightful stroll through some of the most popular hydrangea varieties and discover when they grace us with their stunning blossoms.
1. Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Bigleaf hydrangeas are the classic garden darlings known for their large, colorful blooms. These lovelies are further divided into two main categories: mophead and lacecap. Mophead hydrangeas produce big, round clusters of flowers that resemble pom-poms. Their bloom time usually spans from late spring to early summer. Lacecap hydrangeas, on the other hand, showcase a delicate, flat arrangement of tiny blooms surrounded by larger ones. Their show starts around the same time as mophead hydrangeas.
2. Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata)
Panicle hydrangeas bring a touch of elegance to the garden with their cone-shaped flower heads. These hardy hydrangeas steal the late summer spotlight, gracing us with their beauty from mid-summer to early fall. As the name suggests, the panicle hydrangea’s blooms form in elongated panicles, starting off creamy white and gradually transitioning to shades of pink or even deep red as the season progresses.
3. Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia)
Oakleaf hydrangeas are all about textured foliage and subtle charm. These hydrangeas start showing off their unique cone-shaped flower heads in early summer. The blooms are often white, turning shades of pink or rusty red as they age. Oakleaf hydrangeas are also known for their stunning fall foliage, making them a delightful addition to your autumn landscape.
4. Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens)
Smooth hydrangeas bring an air of understated elegance to gardens. These beauties bloom from late spring to early summer, offering clusters of white or light pink flowers. One of the most well-known smooth hydrangea varieties is ‘Annabelle’, famous for its large, round flower heads. Smooth hydrangeas are fantastic choices for colder climates, as they can handle cold winters like pros.
5. PeeGee Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’)
The PeeGee hydrangea, often referred to as the “tree hydrangea,” is a type of panicle hydrangea that can be trained into a small tree-like shape. These hydrangeas bloom from mid-summer to early fall, offering a spectacular display of cone-shaped flower heads that gradually transition from white to pink. Their versatility and ability to adapt to pruning make them popular choices for landscape design.
6. Climbing Hydrangeas (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris)
Climbing hydrangeas add a touch of enchantment as they gracefully cling to walls, fences, and arbors. Their white lacecap flowers start to make their appearance in early summer. These hydrangeas are a bit patient, often taking a few years to establish themselves before putting on their full blooming spectacle. However, the wait is well worth it for the charming effect they create.
7. Mountain Hydrangeas (Hydrangea serrata)
Mountain hydrangeas, closely related to bigleaf hydrangeas, bring their unique flair to the garden. They typically bloom in late spring to early summer, offering delicate lacecap or mophead blooms in various shades of blue, pink, or purple. Their compact size and captivating blossoms make them an excellent choice for smaller gardens or container plantings.
Getting Your Hands Dirty: Planting Hydrangeas
Early spring or late fall is the best time to plant new hydrangeas. Choose a spot with well-drained soil and good drainage to avoid issues like root rot. Dig a hole that’s slightly larger than the root ball and incorporate organic material like peat moss into the soil for added nutrients.
Watering & Feeding Your Growing Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas love moisture, so be sure to water them regularly, especially during the growing season. Aim for about an inch of water per week, and make sure the soil remains consistently moist. However, they don’t like to be waterlogged, so ensure proper drainage. Applying a slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in early summer will keep them well-fed.
Keeping Growing Hydrangeas Hydrated & Nourished
Alright, my fellow plant enthusiast, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of giving your hydrangeas the hydration and nutrients they deserve. These lovely blooms are like our leafy friends, and just like us, they need their fair share of water and food to thrive. So, let’s talk about how to water and feed your hydrangeas for the best results.
Watering Hydrangeas: Finding the Sweet Spot
Picture this: it’s a warm morning, the sun is gently rising, and your hydrangeas are eagerly sipping on their morning dose of water. Hydrangeas love a drink, especially during the growing season. Give them about an inch of water every week to quench their thirst. But here’s the catch – they’re not big fans of waterlogged roots, so make sure the soil has good drainage. You want them to be like those friends who love a good chat but don’t want to be soaked.
Now, about that much-needed moisture. You might think hydrangeas are high-maintenance divas, but really, they just appreciate a consistently moist soil. Keep a close eye on them, especially in warmer climates, where they might need a bit more attention. When you water, aim for the soil around the base of the plant, not the leaves or flowers. Just like we prefer water in our glasses and not on our heads, hydrangeas like it at their roots.
Feeding Your Hydrangeas A Nutrient-Filled Feast
Imagine your hydrangeas sitting at a table adorned with a feast of slow-release fertilizer. It’s like a buffet of nutrients that they can nibble on throughout their growth journey. Feed them in early spring, right when they’re waking up from their winter slumber. And don’t be shy – give them a second serving in early summer for a boost during their peak growing season. This slow-release fertilizer is like a well-balanced meal, providing all the necessary nutrients for robust growth and vibrant blooms.
Now, I know you might be tempted to shower them with too much fertilizer, thinking that more is better. But here’s the scoop: too much of a good thing can sometimes backfire. Hydrangeas aren’t fans of overindulgence, and giving them too much fertilizer can lead to excessive leafy growth and fewer flowers. Think of it as a balanced diet – just the right amount for their needs.
Winter Prep: Giving Hydrangeas a Cozy Blanket
Ah, winter – a time of cozy blankets and warm cocoa. But let’s not forget about our hydrangeas during this chilly season. In colder climates, when those frosty winds start blowing, it’s a good idea to tuck your hydrangeas in for a snug sleep. Apply a nice thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This acts like a cozy blanket, protecting the roots from the harsh cold and preventing them from shivering in the winter frost.
And for that extra layer of protection, especially against the biting winds, consider draping a plastic bag or burlap over your hydrangeas. It’s like giving them a winter jacket to shield them from the cold snap. Just remember, once the chill starts to fade and spring comes knocking, be sure to remove their cozy coverings to let them stretch and welcome the warmer weather.
Caring for Hydrangea Flowers
The excitement of hydrangeas lies in their stunning flower heads. To get the best results, it’s essential to understand how they bloom. Hydrangeas that bloom on old wood, like bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangeas, set their flower buds in late summer for the next year’s bloom.
To avoid cutting off these buds, prune them right after they bloom in late spring or early summer. For hydrangeas that bloom on new wood, such as panicle and smooth hydrangeas, pruning can be done in late winter or early spring.
Managing Hydrangea Colors
You can actually influence the color of your hydrangea flowers! Adjust the soil’s pH to achieve your desired color. For blue flowers, make the soil more acidic by adding aluminum sulfate. For pink flowers, increase the soil’s alkalinity with lime. If you’re unsure about your soil’s pH, a soil test will guide you.
Dealing with Common Hydrangea Challenges
Powdery mildew, spider mites, and leaf spots can sometimes trouble your hydrangeas. To prevent these issues, ensure good air circulation by spacing your plants properly and avoiding overcrowding. If problems persist, you can treat them with appropriate solutions available at garden centers.
Winter Care for Hydrangeas
In colder climates, winter can be tough on hydrangeas. Applying a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant helps protect the roots from the cold. You can even cover the plants with a plastic bag or burlap to shield them from harsh winds and cold temperatures. Just remember to remove the covering in early spring.
Choosing the Right Hydrangea for Your Space
Before purchasing hydrangeas, consider their mature size. If you have limited space, opt for compact varieties or climbing hydrangeas that won’t overwhelm your garden. For shrub borders, bigleaf and panicle hydrangeas work wonders. If you’re a fan of showy flowers, lacecap and French hydrangeas are excellent choices.
Giving Your Hydrangeas Proper Care
Hydrangeas, like any other plants, thrive with proper care. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests or diseases, and address them promptly. Pruning helps encourage new growth and keeps the plants looking tidy. Remember, each type of hydrangea has its own pruning requirements, so make sure to research and follow the right guidelines.
Enjoying the Fruits of Your Effort
When you use diligent care, to grow hydrangeas they’ll reward you with gorgeous blooms throughout the growing season. From the early spring to the late fall, these showy flowers will brighten up your garden and bring a smile to your face. So go ahead, grow hydrangeas and watch your yard transform into a colorful paradise!
Just follow these tips, give them lots of love, and you’ll be enjoying those stunning hydrangea blooms in no time. Happy gardening!
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My husband and I were just talking about how we didn’t know how to take care of our hydrangeas – so glad I found this helpful article. They are my favorite flower!
Such useful information for somebody who is furthest from having a green thumb! I have always loved hydrangeas but have been too scared I’d kill them 😆
Thank you Jenny! You should plant some! On the east or north side of your house where they’ll get shade;)