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How to Plant Hydrangeas Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and 2 to 3 times as wide. Set the plant in the hole and fill it half full with soil. Water. After water is absorbed, fill the rest of the hole with soil. Water thoroughly again.
Where is the best place to plant a hydrangea?
Hydrangeas do best in moist, well-drained soil and dappled shade – not too sunny and not too shady. Avoid south-facing positions, especially if the soil is very dry. For a very shaded spot, such as a north-facing wall, grow the climbing hydrangea Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris.
How do you plant potted hydrangeas?
To plant hydrangeas, simply dig the planting holes 2 feet wider than the root ball. Keep the depth of the hole consistent with the size of the root ball so your plant sits level with or just higher than the surrounding soil. By creating a slight mound, you help increase water drainage away from the base of the plant.
What side of the house do you plant hydrangeas?
No matter what part of the country you live in, the north-facing side of your home is largely without sunlight. Hydrangeas also thrive in wooded areas, so they do well when planted near small evergreens or woody shrubs.
What kind of soil do hydrangeas like?
For true blue flowers, the hydrangeas need to be grown in acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 or lower. For pink flowers, the plants need neutral to alkaline soils (pH 6.5 and higher). For purple blooms (or a mix of blue and pink flowers on the same plant), the pH of the soil must be between pH 5.5 and 6.5.
How far apart should I plant hydrangeas?
Some hydrangeas bloom up to six-feet-wide. Be sure to check the plant’s tag to see what its mature size will be before planting it. When planting hydrangea, “you want to ensure there is space for air flow,” McEnaney explains. To do so, plant hydrangeas at least two feet apart.
Do hydrangeas come back every year?
Yes, hydrangeas will come back every year as long as they do not die over the winter. Some gift hydrangeas are not bred to be very winter hardy though. So sometimes hydraneas will not survive the winter. But in general, most hydrangeas will come back every year.
Can hydrangeas stay potted?
Most potted, gift hydrangeas fail to thrive because they’re kept indoors too long. But hydrangeas can be great potted plants, if you make good choices.
Can a potted hydrangea be planted outside?
It is always best to plant the potted hydrangea outdoors whenever possible. It should only be planted outdoors in early to mid summer as it needs time to acclimate to outdoor conditions before winter arrives.
Are hydrangeas better in pots or ground?
Pot grown hydrangeas can be planted at any time of year, in the open ground or in pots and containers using Vitax John Innes compost. Add a handful or Vitax Hydrangea Feed to the soil, or compost if growing in a pot, when planting. This provides all the essential nutrients for healthy growth and beautiful blooms.
How do you prepare a bed for a hydrangea?
How to Make a Hydrangea Bed Select a bed site that receives full morning sun and light afternoon shade. Loosen the soil to an 18-inch depth using a spade to turn and break up any clods. Spread 4 inches of compost or leaf mold over the loosened soil. Test the soil with a soil pH test kit, available at garden centers.
Can I plant two hydrangeas together?
You have to plant Bigleaf hydrangeas and Panicle hydrangeas 6-12 feet apart. In the case of Oakleaf hydrangeas, they need to be planted 6-8 feet apart. In general, hydrangeas should be planted apart at a distance equal to the width of one adult plant (for plants of the same size).
How quickly does hydrangea grow?
The plants will take two to three years to start flowering. Species hydrangeas can also be propagated from seed in spring.
Is Miracle Grow good for hydrangeas?
All-purpose Miracle-Gro fertilizer is well suited for hydrangeas. Mix the Miracle-Gro fertilizer with water according to package instructions for the size of your hydrangea shrubs. Apply the Miracle-Gro fertilizer every other time you water, about every two to three weeks.
Do hydrangeas like wet soil?
Very few plants will tolerate that sort of condition and hydrangeas are no exception. They like moist soil but they also want good drainage. Soil that remains wet – not just moist – for too long will lead to root rots and fungal diseases.
Do hydrangeas like coffee grounds?
If you’re growing hydrangeas, use coffee grounds to affect their color. Coffee grounds add extra acidity to the soil around hydrangeas. Seedlings thrive off the nitrogen content in coffee, so give them a boost by making a natural fertilizer from the grounds.
Where do I put my hydrangea border?
Hydrangea care For this reason they are especially useful for brightening up shaded borders and make a lovely feature in the dappled shade of woodland gardens. Try to avoid hot, sunny areas and east facing spots where colds winds can damage the spring growth. Grow hydrangea plants in any rich fertile, moist soil.
What should I plant in front of my hydrangea?
Shrubs To Plant With Hydrangeas Azaleas, hollies, yews, mahonia, gardenia, loropetalum and boxwood shrubs will look good planted in front of hydrangeas. Azaleas blossoms will provide early color. You can select your favorite blossom color since the azalea blooms will have faded before your hydrangea is flowering.
When can I plant hydrangea outside?
When is The Best Time to Plant Hydrangeas? The best time to plant a hydrangea is well before the high heat of summer arrives. Aim for late spring, well after any danger of frost has passed, or early fall, when night temperatures usher in cooler air.
Which hydrangeas do best in full sun?
Best Hydrangeas For Full Sunlight Smooth Hydrangeas – Hydrangea Arborescens. Panicle Hydrangeas – Hydrangea Paniculata. Oakleaf Hydrangeas – Hydrangea Quercifolia.
How long does a hydrangea plant last?
Lifespan. Hydrangeas are long-lived shrubs, sometimes living for up to 50 years if properly cared for. They enjoy morning sun but afternoon shade, and they need frequent watering during the growing season. Prune them in the fall after the blooms fade so they can grow on strong stems the following summer.
Should I cut dead blooms off hydrangea?
You should deadhead throughout the blooming season to keep your hydrangeas looking their beast and encourage new flower growth. This not only provides winter interest, but also ensures you don’t remove the buds that will become flowers next spring.
