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Where to plant my hydrangea


Hydrangea Care & Planting - How to Grow Hydrangea Flowers

Learn about growing hydrangeas, including pruning and design tips, how soil plays a role in their color and which type is best for your garden By Jenny Andrews; Updated by Sarah Hutchinson on May 26, 2021

'Limelight'. Photo by: Proven Winners.

Hydrangeas are popular shrubs with colorful flowers that bloom through summer and into fall. They usually bloom in shades of blue, purple, and pink, with some selections in white, green, or red. Most hydrangea bushes are easy to grow in Zones 3-9 and prefer partial shade.

On this page: Basics | Planting | Care | Pictures | Landscaping with Hydrangea

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HYDRANGEA OVERVIEW

Zones:

Varieties suitable for zones 3-9.

Height/Spread:

Mature size differs depending on the variety. Some are as small as 3 feet tall and wide, while others can reach 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide.

Sun or shade?

Most hydrangea plants bloom best in part shade, but some will tolerate full shade or full sun. The amount of sun they can handle depends on your location—in areas further north they can take more sun, while further south they prefer just a few hours of morning sunlight.

Bloom time:

Hydrangeas usually bloom in summer, with some blooming earlier in the season and some later (and if you’re lucky, possibly even into fall).

Flower color:

Most bloom in shades of blue, purple or pink, but there are also white, green, and even some red varieties. Many will open one color and then change colors as they age. Additionally, flower color (mainly on bigleaf or mountain varieties) can be manipulated to be more blue, pink or purple depending on soil composition and soil pH levels. Learn more about how to change the color of hydrangeas.

Types of hydrangeas:

There are six main types:

Additionally, there is a wide variety of characteristics to choose from: standard-size shrubs, smaller dwarf varieties, or taller tree-like forms. You can also choose from four distinct flower shapes: lacecap, panicle, mophead or snowball. There are also types that bloom on old wood, types that bloom on new wood, and types that bloom on both, often referred to as “reblooming” or “remontant” types.

Compare the sizes, light needs and bloom time of the different hydrangea types and determine which ones meet your gardening needs.

Are hydrangeas poisonous?

Leaves and flower buds can be seriously harmful to dogs and cats if eaten. See more Common Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats.

2022 Hydrangea of the Year:

Little Quick Fire® panicle hydrangea

2022 Landscape Shrub of the Year:

Incrediball® smooth hydrangea

PLANTING HYDRANGEAS

Growing hydrangeas successfully starts with the planting process. It's all about timing, location and healthy soil.

When to plant hydrangeas:

Container-purchased plants should be planted in spring or fall. Make sure there is no threat of frost when planting.

Where to plant hydrangeas:

How to plant hydrangeas:

Planting hydrangeas in pots:

HYDRANGEA CARE & PRUNING

If you wait until spring to prune your mophead hydrangeas (H. macrophylla), be careful not to remove the new buds that are forming. Photo by: Dorling Kindersley ltd / Alamy Stock Photo.

Pruning hydrangeas:

Many don’t need major pruning; most need just enough to keep them tidy by removing old flowers and dead stems, improve the shrub’s structure or shape, or to open it up to let sun and air in.

How and when to prune depends on the type you are growing. You’ll need to determine whether your plant blooms on old wood, new wood, or both before proceeding to prune.

Learn more here: How to Prune Hydrangeas.

Soil:

All like well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Soil composition can affect the flower color of H. macrophylla and H. serrata; other varieties can tolerate a range of soil alkalinity.

Learn more here: Changing Hydrangea Color.

Amendments and fertilizer:

Mulch with organic material annually or add a slow-release rose fertilizer (15-10-10) with thorough watering before and after application. Learn more about how to fertilize hydrangeas properly.

Watering hydrangeas:

They like to be kept moist, but not wet—and don’t let them dry out. Container plants may need daily watering. Add mulch to help keep soil moist.

Diseases and pests:

Generally not affected by serious disease or insect problems, however, many species may be susceptible to some bud blight, bacterial wilt, leaf spot, or mildew. Keep an eye out for aphids and mites, and treat as needed. Japanese beetles can be a problem on oakleaf varieties.

Why is my hydrangea not blooming?

This is more common with types that bloom on old wood (last year’s growth). Three common reasons are:

Learn more: 8 Reasons Why Your Hydrangeas Won't Bloom

Get timely planting advice, design ideas and tips in our weekly gardening newsletter.

HYDRANGEA PICTURES — VARIETIES TO GROW

Swipe to view slides

Photo by: Proven Winners.

LIMELIGHT PRIME® — Buy now from Proven Winners

Zone: 3-8
Exposure: Part sun to sun
Height/Spread: 4 to 6 feet tall, 4 to 5 feet wide
Bloom time: Early summer to fall
Flower color: Lime green flowers age to pink-red

This improved form of the ever-popular ‘Limelight’ hydrangea blooms earlier for a longer flower display, a trait that is especially valuable in cold short-season climates. Lime-green flowers develop vivid red and pink tones as they age. The compact habit is versatile for containers, foundation plantings, hedging, and borders.

2023 National Hydrangea of the Year

Photo by: Proven Winners.

'LIMELIGHT' — Buy now from Proven Winners
Panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata)

Zone: 3-9
Exposure: Part sun to sun
Height/Spread: 6-8 feet tall & wide
Bloom time: Late summer through fall
Flower color: Lime green, aging to white

Photo by: Proven Winners.

INCREDIBALL® — Buy now from Proven Winners
Smooth hydrangea (H. arborescens)

Zone: 3-8
Exposure: Part sun to sun
Height/Spread: 4-5 feet tall & wide
Bloom time: Summer
Flower color: White (also available in blush)

2022 National Landscape Shrub of the Year

Photo by: Proven Winners.

PINKY WINKY® — Buy now from Proven Winners
Panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata)

Zone: 3-8
Exposure: Part sun to sun
Height/Spread: 6-8 feet tall & wide
Bloom time: Mid-summer to fall
Flower color: White to pink

Photo by: Proven Winners.

LITTLE QUICK FIRE® — Buy now from Proven Winners
Panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata)

Zone: 3-8
Exposure: Part sun to sun
Height/Spread: 3-5 feet tall & wide
Bloom time: Early to late summer
Flower color: White, aging to pink-red
2022 National Hydrangea of the Year

For a larger version (6 to 8 feet tall & wide), try Quick Fire®.

Photo by: Proven Winners.

TUFF STUFF AH-HA® — Buy now from Proven Winners
Reblooming mountain hydrangea (H. serrata)

Zone: 5-9
Exposure: Part sun to sun
Height/Spread: 2-3 feet tall & wide
Bloom time: Summer through fall
Flower color: Blue in acidic soil, pink in alkaline soil

2021 National Hydrangea of the Year

Photo by: Proven Winners.

INVINCIBELLE® RUBY — Buy now from Proven Winners
Smooth hydrangea (H. arborescens)

Zone: 3-8
Exposure: Sun
Height/Spread: 3-4 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Bloom time: Summer
Flower color: Ruby red to silvery pink

2020 National Hydrangea of the Year

Photo by: Proven Winners.

LET'S DANCE® BLUE JANGLES® — Buy now from Proven Winners
Bigleaf hydrangea (H. macrophylla)

Zone: 5-9
Exposure: Part sun to sun
Height/Spread: 1-2 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Bloom time: Summer
Flower color: Blue in acidic soil, pink in alkaline soil

Photo by: Proven Winners.

BOBO® — Buy now from Proven Winners
Panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata)

Zone: 3-8
Exposure: Part sun to sun
Height/Spread: 3 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
Bloom time: Summer to fall
Flower color: White, aging to pink

Photo by: Proven Winners.

FIRE LIGHT® — Buy now from Proven Winners
Panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata)

Zone: 3-8
Exposure: Part sun to sun
Height/Spread: 6-8 feet tall & wide
Bloom time: Summer
Flower color: White, aging to red

Photo by: Ellen McKnight / Shutterstock.com.

ENDLESS SUMMER®
Bigleaf hydrangea (H. macrophylla 'Balimer')

Zone: 4-9
Exposure: Part sun to sun
Height/Spread: 3-5 feet tall & wide
Bloom time: Late spring until fall
Flower color: Blue in acidic soil, pink in alkaline soil

Photo by: ANGHI / Shutterstock. com.

'NIKKO BLUE'
Bigleaf hydrangea (H. macrophylla)

Zone: 5-9
Exposure: Part sun
Height/Spread: 4-6 feet tall & wide
Bloom time: Early summer
Flower color: Blue in acidic soil, pinkish hue in alkaline soil

Photo by: My Rubio Garden / Shutterstock.com.

VANILLA STRAWBERRY™
Panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata)

Zone: 4-8
Exposure: Sun to part shade
Height/Spread: 6-7 feet tall & wide
Bloom time: Mid-summer to fall
Flower color: White, aging to strawberry red; red stems

LANDSCAPING WITH HYDRANGEAS

Hydrangeas can play many roles in the garden, from hedges and screens to container plants, and they especially shine in borders.

MORE ON HYDRANGEAS

Types of Hydrangeas

How to Prune Hydrangeas

How to Fertilize Hydrangeas

Changing Hydrangea Color

White Hydrangeas

8 Reasons Hydrangeas Won't Bloom

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when, where and how to plant them |

If you are wondering how to grow hydrangeas, you are not alone because these hardy shrubs that flower from mid-summer to fall have seen a real resurgence in popularity over the past decade.  

Flowering shrubs are again championed and valued for their use in flower bed ideas, with hydrangeas a clear favorite for their sheer variety, reliability and large blooms ranging from cream and pink to bold blues, reds and purples. 

Hydrangeas are brilliant for bringing bursts of summer color to the garden, plus they make a lovely cut flower. They are easy to grow, are tolerant of most soils, including clay, grow in sun or semi-shade, can be planted in borders or containers and require little maintenance. So what's not to love about them?

Once you know when to plant hydrangeas and how to grow them, you will be able to enjoy the blooms of these shrubby stalwarts from July into October.

How to grow hydrangeas – the different types

(Image credit: Future)

The first thing to consider when learning how to grow hydrangeas is which type you want to grow, as there are two main types: shrubby and climbing.

Shrubby hydrangeas – blooming from around July – September, shrubby hydrangeas are among the flowering shrubs that are great for adding mid to late-summer color and structure to garden borders, but can also be grown in pots.  

They are characterized by their large flower heads, which can either be domed or flattened in form. The domed ‘mophead’ hydrangeas consist of many tightly packed flower while the flattened ‘lacecap’ types have rings of large, pointed petals surrounding a cluster of tiny flowers.

The important thing to note about the mophead variety of hydrangea is that the colour of the flowers will vary according to the pH of your soil. The plant can have pink flowers in alkaline soil, red flowers in neutral soils and blue flowers in acid soils. It is possible to control the color of the blooms by adjusting the pH of the soi. 

(Image credit: Future)

Climbing hydrangeas – like shrubby hydrangeas, climbing hydrangeas do not mind semi-shade so are good choices as shrubs for shade, for growing up east and north-facing walls, fences or buildings. However, there are some varieties that prefer full sun. They have delicate lacy white flowers which bloom from July – August. Hydrangea anomala petiolaris is a popular variety with a RHS Award of Garden Merit.

With over 70 species of hydrangea, there are compact varieties and ones with scented flowers or fall foliage, and even varieties that flower twice on old and new wood.

Where to grow hydrangeas

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Hydrangeas grow best in well-drained soil, in a protected, dappled shady spot. They prefer sun in the morning with some shade in the afternoon.

South-facing positions are best avoided, and protect young growth from spring frosts. Most soil types are suitable, keeping in mind that the pH will change the color – less than 5.5 for blue, over 6.5 gives pink, between 5.5 and 6.5 purple.  

They do not do well in dry soils, so choose a position with moist, fertile soil – to help the soil retain moisture the soil can be enhanced with garden compost or a well-rotted manure.

'Hydrangeas like reliable moisture in the summer, so don’t plant them in a dry position. Their new shoots are frost tender, so avoid frost pockets, and if your garden experiences drought in summer, plant them in semi-shade. People seem to forget they are happy in shaded conditions and when growing hydrangeas, plant them in blazing, full sun where they look washed out and drought-stressed in summer,' says says Matthew Pottage, curator at RHS Wisley .

As they can tolerate some shade, hydrangeas make perfect plants for woodland gardens and north-facing garden ideas. 

How to plant hydrangeas

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

If you’re asking yourself ‘should I cut back hydrangeas in the fall’ the answer depends on the type of hydrangeas. However, in general, the best time to plant hydrangeas is in spring or fall. 

How to grow hydrangeas from cuttings

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Like many shrubs, hydrangeas take well grown from cuttings which is a straightforward option if you're looking for a cost-effective way for how to grow hydrangeas. Cuttings can either be taken as softwood cuttings in late spring, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

To take softwood cuttings:

You can also take semi-ripe cuttings. To do this 'use rooting hormone on a semi-ripe cutting, place it in a pot with propagation mix, keep it warm, and in about 2 weeks, the cutting will develop roots,' advises Lorraine Ballato, author of Success with Hydrangeas . 

'That sapling then needs to be repotted in potting soil and lightly fertilized regularly to grow it on for about 2 months before it gets planted,' she adds.

How to grow hydrangeas in a pot

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

If you are growing hydrangeas in containers you can manipulate the potting compost for the color you are after – you can even pop them in the container into the garden bed to then fill gaps through summer. 

Shrubby hydrangeas grow well in pots and are perfect for bringing an uplifting pop of color as a patio idea in late summer.  Be sure to choose small to medium varieties for growing as container gardening ideas. 

Spring and fall are the best times to plant hydrangeas into containers although it can be done at any time of year. 

When planting shrubs in pots it is recommended to use loam-based soil rather than a peat-based compost as peat-based composts can dry quicker and contain less nutrients. 

How to care for hydrangeas in pots

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Hydrangeas grown in containers often require more care than those planted in borders as they have less moisture and nutrients to draw on. When growing hydrangeas in pots it is important to keep them well watered as they can dry out quickly in hot weather, they may also benefit from a liquid fertilizer two or three times during the growing season.  

'Be sure that your pot is big enough for the hydrangea to grow into over time, and if there’s not already a drainage hole in the bottom, bust out your drill bits and create an opening,' says Ryan Mcenaney of Bailey Nurseries . 

How to care for hydrangeas

(Image credit: Future)

Once planted, keep hydrangeas watered well in their first season so they don’t wilt. To keep hydrangeas blue only use rainwater. Mulching each spring with manure, compost or leaf-mold will help them thrive, and they don’t need feeding, as this will create leaf growth as opposed to flowers. 

While shrubby hydrangeas flower on new season growth, climbing varieties tend to flower on previous season's growth which means both have different pruning requirements and times for pruning. It is important to learn how to prune hydrangeas and when to prune hydrangeas to keep them looking their best and improve the plant's vigor. 

How to grow hydrangeas from seed

While you can grow hydrangeas from seed it is not recommended, 'as it takes a few seasons to get the plant to a sizeable specimen,' explains Lorraine Ballato.

'Seed germination percentages are low so propagation is best done with cuttings,' she adds. 

'Further, most of today’s hydrangeas are a cross of two or more varieties. In that case, the seed is not true to the parent. You are more likely – if it germinates – to get one of the parents, not the offspring or the desired plant. On the other hand, some extraordinarily successful “accidents” have resulted in new marketable plants,' she adds.

Dealing with problems when growing hydrangeas

(Image credit: Undefined Undefined/Getty Images)

Frost damage: If new spring growth of the hydrangeas has frost damage, cut it back to just above the first undamaged pair of buds. 

Hydrangea scale: This shows as white, waxy blobs in summer and is best prevented by careful early inspection from spring. Tend plants to keep them as healthy as possible, encouraging predators such as ladybirds, and think carefully about what to plant with hydrangeas to make good companions. If spraying is needed use organic options in July.  

Lack of flowers: This is most likely to be because pruning was done at the wrong time, so carefully check the label of the plant you buy. 

Pieces bitten out of the leaves: This is a sign of vine weevils, with the white grubs also eating the roots. Check at night when they are most active, catch and squash them. You could also apply a biological control.

How do hydrangeas grow best?

With the wide range of choices and styles available, hydrangeas grow best in a number of situations. They grow beautifully en masse as informal hedging; mixed in borders; all white flowers in a classical scheme or to light up a shaded area; as well as in containers, for both town and country gardens. 

'Hydrangeas look fantastic massed in one variety for a stunning result,' explains Roger Butler, owner of Signature Hydrangeas . 

(Image credit: Future)

Are hydrangeas easy to grow?

Hydrangeas are easy to grow and need little attention and you are bound to find an array of options that are ideal to grace your garden and also make striking cut flowers.

For beginners, 'Paniculata are easy to grow and more tolerant; you can’t go wrong with them,' suggests Roger Butler.

'Most hydrangeas are very easy, which is why they are so brilliant – but H. macrophylla and H. paniculata and all their cultivars are vey easy,' says Matthew Pottage of RHS Wisley.

Hydrangeas in the garden - features of care, selection of good places for planting

There are many beautiful flowering shrubs - mock oranges, rhododendrons, honeysuckle, azaleas, lilacs. But the hit of the garden, of course, is the hydrangea. Without it, the landscape design of the site is unthinkable, especially if you need to get the effect of continuous flowering.

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Why are hydrangeas good?

Hydrangea (Hydrangea - “a vessel of water”) is a large-leaved and large-flowered ornamental shrub, loved by gardeners around the world. It came to Europe from East Asia in the middle of the 19th century, and is widely distributed in North and Latin America.

The plant is primarily valued for its abundant and insanely beautiful flowering. But this is not its only merit.

In the climate of the Kaliningrad region, such types of hydrangeas as paniculate, tree-like, large-leaved, petiolate feel great. They are represented by a considerable number of varieties.

The color of hydrangea depends not only on the variety, but also on the acidity of the soil - the more acidic it is, the more blue in the flower palette

Conditions for growth, care

optimal conditions.

Hydrangea with an open root system is planted in the ground in spring. These plants include those grown in a greenhouse. In the Kaliningrad region, all plants for planting can be purchased already in containers (they have a closed root system). They can be planted in the ground at any time. Usually rooted cuttings or layering. If you know the agricultural technology of the plant, caring for it is simple.

During the season, 3-4 top dressings with complex fertilizers and organic matter are needed (can be alternated).

Water as needed, making sure the soil never dries out. In dry summer - up to 2 times a week at the rate of 3-4 buckets under an adult bush.

In order to thin the shrub and get larger inflorescences, it is pruned in early spring, removing old and weak shoots. Last year's growths, on which there were flowers, are cut off almost completely - by 3-4 buds.

Hydrangea paniculata and arborescens overwinter well without shelter down to -18 °C, making do with slight hilling or mulching of the near-stem circle. But varieties of large-leaved hydrangeas for the winter are better to cover.

Young plants require more attention, having matured, the bush becomes much more enduring.

'Vanilla Fraze' has an inflorescence that reaches 30–35 cm

Good places to plant shrubs

Having figured out the hydrangea's preferences, let's look for suitable places in the garden and find accommodating neighbors.

At the front entrance

An elegant hydrangea with bushes reaching a height of 1–2 m, lush green foliage and large spherical inflorescences of white, blue, pink, lilac shades will look great in the front area. Here she has enough sun and space to reveal herself in all her glory. A flowering plant will beautifully set off paving or a green lawn. You can plant it in single bushes, in groups in small round flower beds, and form a border from the bushes.

The plant loves openwork shade and grows well in the shade of other trees. When landing at the main entrance, you need to take this into account. Plant the hydrangea near other plants, so that direct sunlight does not harm it. Single hydrangea can be planted at the entrance, located in the southeast or southwest.

Examples of decoration of the front area with hydrangea

Emphasis on the lawn

Tree-like hydrangea loves space, so it will feel good in a mono planting on the parterre lawn. For this purpose, you can also use a large sprawling bush of panicled hydrangea. They are planted at a distance from each other (80–100 cm). The result is an unbreakable bush.

The shape of the bush is of particular importance in this "in sight" planting. So that the plant does not look abandoned, it must be regularly cut, to prevent a decrease in decorativeness.

A bright accent against the backdrop of a green lawn

Composition with conifers

If conifers are already growing on the site or you plan to plant conifers, you will not find a better neighborhood for hydrangeas. Firstly, evergreen needles will favorably emphasize and at the same time balance its catchy beauty. And secondly, coniferous litter, pieces of bark oxidize the soil, which she really likes.

Pine trees in the background - a great background for blue hydrangea caps

In a mixborder

Panicle hydrangea can be planted in flower beds. Over time, her bottom is exposed, and to cover it, low fluffy perennials are used in the foreground. From decorative leafy plants, the same moisture-loving hosta, bergenia, stonecrop are well suited for this purpose, from flowers - lilies, peonies, astilbes, low roses.

Large-leaved hydrangea bushes, on the contrary, are better planted inside the flower bed.

Mixborder can be made only from shrubs, alternating hydrangea with mock orange, wagel, spirea, barberry. In a composition with rhododendrons, it will look beautiful next to a Japanese rock garden.

You can create a mixborder in both bright natural style and stylish monochrome

Along paths

A good place for compact varieties of hydrangea is along paved garden paths, retaining walls, along the perimeter of the lawn. They can decorate the stairway or dilute the monotony of the stone wall. Examples of suitable varieties are Limelight, Bobo. The latter grows no more than 60–70 cm high, but at the same time it is strewn with inflorescences up to 30 cm long. A spectacle of extraordinary beauty.

Along the fence, on the contrary, tall varieties can be planted, such as "Grandiflora", "Phantom". The bush grows quickly and qualitatively, reaching a height and width of 2 m. medium-sized varieties are usually chosen and planted at short intervals. Very soon they grow, forming a flowering barrier. This is a great tool for zoning a site, for example, a fence can be placed on the border of a garden and a recreation area. Planted along the perimeter, it will close the view from the side of the street, disguise an unsightly fence or building.

An example of using hydrangea in an original hedge with boxwoods and grasses

Near water

Do you have a body of water on your property? By a stream, a small pond, a vertical waterfall, a moisture-loving plant will like it. Hydrangea can be planted at the fountain - water dust will humidify the air, thereby creating a comfortable atmosphere for the flower.

The slope of the reservoir is a good place for hydrangeas

Near the gazebo

Hats of flowers will decorate the terrace, gazebo and even just a garden bench, turning it into a cozy resting place. Here you can plant a very popular in Europe variety "Kuishi". It grows to 2–2.5 m and has a pleasant delicate aroma.

Relaxing corner in the garden in the style of a Russian noble estate

Landscaping project
from Sad-dizain

More details

Natural corner of the garden

Tree hydrangea blooms beautifully in the lacy shade of trees. This feature can be used to create a wildly blooming corner of the garden in a natural style. Here it is better to combine it not with topiary forms of boxwood or turf, but with sprawling bushes of lilac, mock orange, spirea, barberry.

The use of hydrangea in a natural style garden

Where should hydrangeas not be planted?

Being generally unpretentious, hydrangea, if she does not like something, can show character.

Shrub does not like too shady places – if there is a lack of sun, flower buds of the next season do not have time to form, you can be left without flowers. But if you have a hot climate and you plant a bush in the very sun, be prepared for the fact that it will quickly fade.

Hydrangea cannot stand direct midday sun from 11:00 to 16:00.

As neighbors, hydrangea prefers the same lovers of acidic soil - azaleas, heathers, Asiatic lilies, rhododendrons. If you want to plant it in the same composition with alkaline shrubs, create your own microclimate for each plant. You can acidify the soil with the help of colloidal sulfur, iron sulfate, peat, coniferous litter, leaf humus.

Beginning gardeners can make the mistake of planting hydrangeas in a place where their roots are constantly wet. Although the shrub is moisture-loving, it does not like the root system to get wet.

Hortense is so beautiful that it is impossible not to fall in love with her. But if you are in doubt where and with what plants to plant it, the Garden Design studio is ready to develop a landscaping project for you.

How to plant hydrangeas correctly: 7 main features

Hydrangea is an absolutely amazing flowering shrub in its wondrous beauty. Huge, multi-colored, lush caps of its inflorescences fascinate the eye and make you forget about everything in the world.

The gradual change of colors and shades of its flowers is also striking. It’s as if you are at some kind of fabulous ball of flowers, changing their clothes from pale green to snow-white-crimson, and soft blue to lilac-violet or snow-white-golden.

The richness of shades in the multicolored inflorescences of hydrangeas is so great that you seem to dissolve in it and do not want to leave this marvelous corner of the blooming garden.

We have already talked about the nature of this wonderful culture, about its types and in great detail about agricultural technology in published articles:

“Choosing frost-resistant hydrangeas”;

"How to care for hydrangeas in the summer and autumn."

Today we will talk about how to properly plant hydrangeas. There are many subtleties here, without knowing which you can not get a beautiful shrub with lush inflorescence brushes. He may not take root at all and die in the very first winter if the landing is done incorrectly and at the wrong time.

MAIN FEATURES OF PLANTING HYDENSIA

It is necessary to plant, transplant and divide bushes only in spring.

Many gardeners believe that hydrangeas, like most perennial ornamental plants, should be planted and transplanted in late August - early September.

But this is a big mistake. Hydrangea - slowly and difficult to take root in a new place, so she needs enough time for this. As a rule, in most of Russia, hydrangeas are planted in mid-May (in more northern regions - at the end of the month). In the south of the country, autumn planting is also acceptable.

Over the summer, young bushes will take root well in a new place and have time to prepare for the winter cold.

It is very important to choose the right place for planting Hydrangeas .

Hydrangea should be planted in light partial shade, so that in the midday hours (from 12 to 15 hours) it is not under the scorching sun. The rest of the time it should be brightly lit, otherwise you will not get beautiful flowering.

Planted in the shade, the hydrangea will start to get sick, its inflorescences will become smaller and in the end the plant may simply die.

Another site chosen for planting hydrangeas should be well protected from cold winds and drafts. A wonderful sissy, hydrangea will suffer greatly even from a not very strong draft. This again can lead to her illness.

The best place for her is near the south side of the house, protected by a wall, fence or other bushes. But at the same time, the latter should not shade it from the sun.

Hydrangeas do not tolerate close groundwater (they should be no closer than 1.5 m from the ground). And they will not grow in flooded lowland areas. Water should not stand around the bushes.

Under such conditions, hydrangeas are planted in high flower beds at least 50 cm high.

Soils play a huge role in the proper growth and development of hydrangeas .

Hydrangeas love fertile, loose, well-permeable water and breathable neutral or slightly acidic soils (pH 6.5 - 7.0), rich in organic matter. On heavy clays with an acidic reaction, neutralization is necessary. To do this, use dolomite flour (2 kg per 5 sq. M of planting area).

It is advisable to carry out this operation in the autumn, but it is also possible in the spring at least 3 weeks before planting.

Hydrangeas also don't like alkaline soils, so don't plant them near an outdoor sink or where you pour water after washing.

Need to know how to plant a hydrangea.

When planting, all the native soil from the planting pits is selected and filled with a soil mixture, which we recommend that you make up from: the top fertile layer, rotted manure, leafy soil and sand (preferably river sand) in equal amounts.

In addition to each hole, add the following fertilizers: superphosphate (2 tablespoons), potassium sulfate (1.5 tablespoons), wood ash (1/4 bucket) and dolomite flour (1 cup only on acidic soils).

Planting pits are dug 40 cm deep and 40 cm in diameter. At the bottom of each pit, drainage is laid from broken brick or crushed stone with a layer of 10 cm. After planting, the hydrangea's root neck should be at ground level.

Water the planted bushes well (2 watering cans under each) and mulch with peat chips or sawdust. Such an operation will help to keep moisture in the ground and will prevent the growth of weeds in the near-stem circles of young plants.

Neighbor plants are very important for hydrangeas.

Hydrangeas are strongly affected by plants planted next to them. In no case should it be planted next to blackcurrants, since the essential oil substances found in the tissues of this berry crop adversely affect the delicate hydrangea.

Also an undesirable neighbor will be white acacia, the roots of which emit poisonous substances that depress the root system of the hydrangea.

Perfect neighbors will be perennial flowers - peonies, irises, hostas, astilbes, hybrid tea roses.

Keep your hydrangea bed away from herbs and garlic. If you are planning a flower garden next to the garden, cucumbers and zucchini will be the best neighbors for hydrangeas.

Do not plant hydrangeas next to trees and tall shrubs with well-developed roots, even if they do not shade them. These "neighbors" will constantly take away all the nutrients and water from the more tender and delicate hydrangea!

Planting hydrangeas will not be successful without abundant watering.

Remember an important rule: water hydrangeas only with warm water heated to a temperature of at least 30 degrees!

In the first two weeks after planting, hydrangeas are watered every day (if the weather is dry and sunny, and the air temperature is above +16 degrees). If the air warms up only to +14 degrees - water every 3 days. In such conditions, the plant stops growing and, as it were, freezes, waiting for warmer weather!

Then reduce watering to twice a week. In a month, one weekly watering will be enough (in the heat, increase the frequency of watering).

How to influence the color of hydrangea flowers when planting .

The color of hydrangea is one of the main varietal characteristics, so it was originally laid down in it (each variety has its own). But if you want to experiment a little, you can give the flowers either blue or pink.

When planting, acidify the soil with a weak solution of citric acid or Blue Hydrangea fertilizer, and you will get various blue shades of flowers.

If you want them to be pink, add crushed chalk or 1.5 cups of dolomite flour. And if you want to get both those and other shades on different inflorescences at the same time, add the above ingredients from different sides of the bush.

But it is better to do this not when planting, but after a couple of years, when the bush grows and gets stronger.

THE BEST HYDROANGIA VARIETIES FROM OUR COLLECTION

Now that you know how to plant hydrangeas in spring, we offer you the best varieties from our unique collection of this most beautiful, bright and luxuriant flowering shrub that will delight you with its truly heavenly beauty for many years to come .

Our novelties:

Oakleaf Hydrangea: Harmony, Snow Flakes.

Our collection:

Large-leaved Hydrangea: Joy, Fiery Red, Blue Bird, Mint.

Hydrangea tree: Sterilis, Annabelle .

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