Hydrangeas are not only known for their stunning blue summer blooms but also for their range of vibrant colors such as purple, red, pink, and cream against deep green leaves. Growing hydrangeas can be a rewarding experience due to their hardy nature and irresistible blooms. They are easy to grow, making them a great choice for novice gardeners looking to make a large impact. These shrubs stand out on their own but also pair well with low-growing perennials like Heuchera, Nepeta, Hosta, Salvia, or any other combination you can imagine. Regardless of where you plant your hydrangeas, you’ll enjoy their stunning beauty all season long.
Plant Type:
This plant can either be a shrub or a vine.
Season:
It is best to plant this during summer up until early fall.
Pests:
Be aware of the presence of aphids, beetles, and spider mites.
Family:
The plant belongs to the family Hydrangeaceae.
Genus:
The specific genus for this plant is Hydrangea.
Species:
The species for this plant is Hydrangea spp.
Exposure:
It is suggested to expose this plant to partial sunlight.
Diseases:
Fungal diseases may affect the growth of this plant.
Maturity Date:
Expect the plant to grow mature in 3 to 4 years.
Maintenance:
This plant requires medium maintenance.
Growth Rate:
Hydrangea spp. grows at a rapid pace.
Soil Type:
The ideal soil type for this plant is well-draining and acidic.
Native Area:
This plant is native to Asia.
Plant Spacing:
The spacing for planting will depend on the variety of the plant.
Attracts:
This plant attracts pollinators and common wildlife.
Hardiness Zone:
The USDA hardiness zones for this plant are between 3 to 7.
Plant With:
Plant low-growing perennials and annuals alongside it.
Don’t Plant With:
Avoid planting this with lavender or deep shade plants.
Planting Depth:
Plant the root ball at the appropriate depth.
Watering Requirements:
Moderate watering is recommended for this plant.
Height:
The height of the plant will depend on the variety.
Plant History:
Hydrangeas have been growing wildly in Japan for thousands of years. They were first cultivated in Japan and can still be found growing in the mountainsides of Japan today. The hydrangea made its way to Europe via North America in 1736. Although it is unknown how they made it from Asia to North America, fossils have been found in North America dating back 40-65 million years ago.
Once hydrangeas gained European praise, they were given the name Hydrangea for the shape of their flowers. Botanist Grovonius chose this name because the shape of the flower reminded him of an ancient water pitcher, “Hydra” for flower, and “Angeion” which means pitcher.
While hydrangea root is not a popular herbal remedy, it has been used to treat issues associated with the bladder for hundreds of years. Over the years, hydrangea stems have become popular in floral bouquets and symbolize gratitude, unity, and togetherness.
To cultivate hydrangeas, it’s important to provide them with well-draining soil and partial shade. They also require consistent watering and regular fertilization to thrive. With proper care, hydrangeas can add beauty and elegance to any garden.
Hydrangeas belong to the family Hydrangeaceae and are known for their versatility in landscaping. These plants can be used as clusters, points of interest, borders along walkways, peeking through fences, in large containers, as a foundation planting, and even in tree form. With over 70 species available, there are six popular ones in North America and Europe that are commonly found in gardens today. These include Smooth Hydrangea, Bigleaf Hydrangea, Panicle Hydrangea, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Mountain Hydrangea, and Climbing Hydrangea.
There are two ways to propagate hydrangeas – through cuttings and layering. Both methods are easy and have similar success rates. To propagate through cuttings, follow these steps.
Cutting stems from hydrangeas is a popular method for propagating this plant. To start, find a green branch that has not yet flowered in the current season and cut it to a length of five to six inches, leaving a few sets of leaves on it. Remove the bottom two sets of leaves to expose two leaf nodes that will become the growth point for your new plant. Use any sterile medium to fill a container, such as coarse sand or vermiculite, and dip the bottom of your cutting into rooting hormone powder before placing it in the soil. Water the cutting well and cover it with plastic to create a greenhouse-type atmosphere, keeping it in bright light but not direct sun. After two to three weeks, the hydrangea cutting should have rooted, and you can transplant it into larger pots or directly into the ground. Another propagation method for hydrangeas is by layering, which involves bending a branch to the ground and burying it so that it forms roots.
To propagate hydrangeas, you can also try ground layering, a simple and enjoyable process that can be done in your garden. Firstly, select a branch close to the ground and remove the leaves from around five inches of the branch where it will touch the ground. Scratch off some of the bark from the underside of the branch in the same area and make sure at least one leaf node will be under the ground. Next, dig a small hole about two inches deep and place the branch in it. Cover the branch generously with garden soil and use a stone or brick to hold everything in place. Water the branch occasionally. When new plant roots form, cut it from the mother plant and transfer it to its new home in your garden. Letting the cutting stay in place for a week or two before transplantation will provide time for it to adjust to a new environment.
To purchase hydrangeas, people usually buy small pots from nurseries and then plant them in gardens. However, I prefer buying hydrangeas grown from cuttings at plant sales in local botanical gardens. Various nurseries and garden centers offer different varieties of hydrangeas in different sizes. The same planting process applies to mature cuttings as well.
When purchasing a hydrangea plant, it is crucial to keep the mature size in mind while selecting the planting spot to avoid excessive pruning. Before digging a hole, water the plant while still in its container to prevent transplant shock. Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and amend the soil with compost or peat if it is dense or clayey.
Do not plant deeply; keep the base of the plant at the same depth as in the nursery pot. Water the plant well right after planting and continue watering it until it is established. It is best to plant hydrangeas in late spring or fall.
When growing hydrangeas, ensure enough light, water, and suitable climate conditions. If planting with other plants, choose hydrangea companions that do not compete for nutrients. Ensure favorable soil conditions and use recommended fertilizers when feeding your hydrangea plant.
Hydrangeas grow best in partial shade, so it is recommended to plant them in areas that receive shade during the beginning and end of the day. All hydrangea varieties can thrive in partial sun, particularly those that receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade such as the macrophylla variety. However, if your location receives more sunlight, it is advisable to choose the paniculata variety which can tolerate full-day sun exposure as long as it receives enough moisture. Adequate watering is also crucial for proper growth and development.
Hydrangeas require moderate watering, ideally in the morning and at the base of the plant. Once you have found the perfect spot for your hydrangea in the garden, watering will become less frequent. To avoid the stress of summer heat, it is best to water in the morning. If the plant is in need of water, the flowers will wilt and the leaves will droop towards the ground. Fortunately, a good soaking should relieve these symptoms. When watering by hand, aim for the base of the plant and surrounding soil to avoid fungal diseases. Overhead watering should also be avoided, as it can increase the likelihood of disease. Drip irrigation is the best option if using an irrigation system, as it keeps the flowers and leaves dry while providing enough water. It is important to keep an eye on the weather, as hotter temperatures may require more frequent watering. As always, use the leaves as an indicator for when to water.
For optimal growth of hydrangeas, it is recommended to use soil that has an acidic pH level. However, it’s important to note that these plants don’t thrive in overly wet soil conditions. To prevent this issue and ensure adequate water supply, one can incorporate well-draining soil by adding organic components like compost, peat, or dried leaves. As hydrangeas prefer acidic soil, it’s crucial to consider this factor while choosing the soil. Additionally, the plant’s growth is also dependent on climate and temperature, so keeping these aspects in mind can aid in their cultivation.
Hydrangeas thrive in mild climates with moderate temperatures, making them perfect for gardeners who enjoy these types of conditions. As perennials, they can endure the USDA zones 3-7 without issue, which covers a vast range of areas in the United States. However, some hydrangea varieties have also proven successful in warmer climates, although they may not experience dormancy in these regions. For those in warmer zones, it is important to provide more shade and water them more frequently. Additionally, fertilizing your hydrangeas can help them flourish and grow healthy.
Hydrangeas can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer during early summer. Once established, they don’t require extensive fertilization. A great way to fertilize is by using manure or compost at the base of the plant. This not only produces excellent results but also improves soil conditions over time. If you prefer chemical fertilizer, choose one labeled for shrubs and trees and look for slow-release formulas. Cover the granules with soil to ensure proper release. A simple 10-10-10 fertilizer is another option, but avoid fertilizing after August as the plants are preparing to go dormant. As for maintenance, hydrangeas are relatively low maintenance once established.
In the summer, hydrangeas require minimal maintenance aside from watering. If your shrub is blooming prolifically, you can cut a few flowers for arrangements while also pruning it for the next season. When a frost hits, the leaves will turn yellow and fall to the ground, so remove them manually or with a small rake. Clearing out any leaf litter from the plant’s base will help prevent disease and promote air circulation. In colder areas where temperatures drop below five degrees, it may be necessary to protect your hydrangea over the winter. Use stakes and chicken wire to create insulation with pine straw or dried leaves. Small upside-down tomato cages can also work. Personally, I have never protected my hydrangeas and have had minimal issues.
The pruning schedule for your hydrangeas depends on the species you have in your garden. It’s crucial to keep in mind which species you’re dealing with when pruning your hydrangeas. Some species bloom on old wood – any growth from the previous season – including macrophylla, serrata, quercifolia, and anomala. Old wood species usually don’t need much pruning and are best left to grow freely, only pruned for containment and removal of winter damage. Quercifolia can be pruned until April, while anomala is best pruned after flowering in late June by removing the spent blooms. Macrophylla and serrata have big heads of flowers – one mophead and one lace – and respond to the same type of pruning. Other species, such as arborescens and paniculata, bloom on new wood – the growth from the current season. If you’re dealing with a new wood bloomer, it’s best to prune in late fall.
There are numerous hydrangea varieties, many of which do well in full sun, while some thrive in partial or full shade. Let’s take a look at one of the most popular varieties – Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nikko Blue.’
Nikko Blue hydrangeas are the perfect addition to any cottage-style garden, providing a stunning blue hue. A timeless classic, the Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nikko Blue’ boasts long-lasting blooms that are sure to impress. These blue flowers are a staple in New England gardens and are an effortless way to achieve that quaint cottage feel. Additionally, they are one of the most sought-after blue hydrangea varieties found in gardens along the East Coast. Another great option is the Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lady in Red.’
The Lady in Red’s unique blossoms come in vibrant shades of dark pink to red, standing out among a sea of blue and purple flowers like the Hydrangea macrophylla. As a lace cap variety, it offers a great contrast to any garden. Starting with light pink flowers in early summer, this hydrangea slowly matures into a deeper pink or even blue hue. Notably, the plant boasts red stems and veins in its green leaves. Another popular variety is the Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’.
The Limelight hydrangea boasts a distinctive hue that can add a splash of color to any garden. A member of the Hydrangea paniculata family, this variety can reach heights of 6-8 feet, making it an ideal option for those seeking privacy planting. What sets this plant apart are its cone-shaped blooms that range from creamy white to light green and even pink, often appearing on the same bloom.