Hydrangeas
Known for their lush foliage and long lasting blooms Hydrangeas can be a stunning staple piece when it comes to adding to a garden bed. Hydrangeas come in a wide variety of colors ranging from blue, pink, green, white, red, purple and more. These elegant plants are easy to cultivate, tolerate almost any soil, and produce abundant blooms. While these flowering shrubs are low-maintenance, proper care will keep them blooming.
PLANTING
WHEN TO PLANT HYDRANGEAS:
• Plant in Spring or Fall, just be aware that there is no threat of frost when planting.
WHERE TO PLANT HYDRANGEAS:
• The best location is one that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Hydrangeas flower well with receiving four to six hours of daily sunlight.
• Consider size, depending on the type of Hydrangea its best to plant anywhere between 3-10 feet apart.
• Choose an area with well-draining soil that receives plenty of moisture. Add compost to improve poor soil.
CARE
WATERING
• Hydrangeas need plenty of water. Leaves will wilt if the soil is too dry. Water in the morning while it is still cool. The water will flow deep into the soil reaching the roots of the plant.
• Add mulch underneath your hydrangeas to help keep the soil moist and cool mulch helps to retain moisture.
• It is best to water at the base of the plants whenever possible to help prevent mold or fungus from growing on the leaves.
• Do not over water Hydrangeas; they thrive from moist soil not overly wet. Some varieties handle more water than others.
WHY ARE MY HYDRANGEAS NOT BLOOMING?
There are 5 main reasons why your hydrangeas aren’t blooming:
• Having old wood hydrangeas in a colder climate where they die back during harsh winters.
• Pruning old wood hydrangeas after the flower buds have developed.
• Plant is not mature enough.
• Not enough sun. Most hydrangeas need at least 4-6 hours of sun to bloom.
• Deer have eaten flower buds.
SHRUB VARIETIES
Annabelle
Smooth Hydrangea
Zone: 3-9
Bloom Time: June-September
Height/Spread: H: 3-5 ft S: 4-6 ft
Strawberry Sundae
Panicle Hydrangea
Zone: 4-8
Bloom Time: Summer-Fall
Height/Spread: H: 4-5 ft S: 3-4 ft
Little Lime
Panicle Hydrangea
Zone: 3-8
Bloom Time: July-September
Height/Spread: H: 3-5 ft S: 3-5 ft
Endless Summer
Bigleaf Hydrangea
Zone: 4-9
Bloom Time: Late Spring until Fall
Height/Spread: H: 3-5 ft S: 3-5 ft
Summer Crush
Bigleaf Hydrangea
Zone: 4-9
Bloom Time: Spring-Summer
Height/Spread: H: 1.5-3 ft S: 1.5-3 ft
HYDRANGEA TREE FORMS
Vanilla Strawberry
Panicle Hydrangea
Zone: 4-8
Bloom Time: July-September
Height: 6-8 feet
Limelight
Panicle Hydrangea
Zone: 3-8
Bloom Time: Summer-Fall
Height: 6-8 feet