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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.
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.
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.
When should you plant hydrangeas?
Most hydrangeas can be planted in early spring or early fall; choose the right time to plant based on your region. Space appropriately based on the plant tag recommendations. Check soil weekly and water when the top inch is dry. Apply 3 inches of mulch to make your watering efforts go further and prevent weeds.
How do you plant bare root hydrangeas?
Planting the Shrub If you purchased a bare-root shrub, soak it in a bucket of water for an hour before planting it. Spread the roots over the hill you made, and then keep it centered as you fill in the hole with soil. Wrapped hydrangeas can be kept in the burlap, but you should remove the twine.
Do hydrangeas need a lot of water?
Water at a rate of 1 inch per week throughout the growing season. Deeply water 3 times a week to encourage root growth. Bigleaf and smooth hydrangeas require more water, but all varieties benefit from consistent moisture. Use a soaker hose to water deeply and keep moisture off the flowers and leaves.
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.
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 far apart should I plant hydrangeas?
To do so, plant hydrangeas at least two feet apart. This allows air to circulate between the plants and helps prevent mildew.
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.
Can I plant a hydrangea 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.
Do hydrangeas bloom every year?
Whether you have the big leaf, smooth leaf, or panicle type of hydrangea, you will see one spectacular bloom per year. As much as you may wish it, hydrangea reblooming does not occur on the standard varieties of the species.
What do I add to soil when planting hydrangeas?
Organic Matter To create rich, well-drained soil for your hydrangeas, add organic compost or aged manure to the soil. Organic matter provides food for beneficial soil microorganisms, which enrich and help aerate the soil. Well-drained soil provides room for hydrangea roots to grow and helps prevent root rot.
What do you put in a hydrangea hole?
Hydrangeas do best in soil rich in organic material, well-drained but that does not become completely dry. Whatever your soil is like, use it. Do not try to dig a hole and fill it with soil you bought somewhere else. If your soil is poor, just use extra organic material.
Can hydrangeas be planted too deep?
Do not plant too deeply. Plant at the same depth the hydrangea was planted in the pot. Plant in early summer or fall. Transplant a hydrangea when it has become dormant and has lost all of its leaves (late fall or winter).
Why are my newly planted hydrangeas wilting?
When hydrangeas are drooping, they’re often expressing their dislike of local conditions. Too much sun and not enough water lead to wilt; heavy flower loads can cause tender branches to bend until they touch the ground. Even an extra dose of fertilizer may contribute to droopy hydrangea plants.
How do you bring a hydrangea back to life?
Pour the hot water into a heat safe container. You only need a couple inches of hot water in your container. Allow the flowers to sit. After 30 minutes, the blooms have started to come back. After 3 hours, the hydrangeas have come all the way back to life, pretty amazing.
Will hydrangeas flower in shade?
The number one growing choice for flower colour during summer in shade is hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla). Hydrangeas flower right through summer and thrive in south- and east-facing positions and in the shade of trees and walls, where it can be hard to find plants that grow well and have colourful flowers.
