Hydrangea | A Cultivation Guide For Timeless Blooms

Hydrangeas are one of the most popular flowering plants in the world, known for their large and colorful blooms. These shrubs are native to Asia and the Americas and come in a variety of colors, including pink, blue, white, and purple. Hydrangeas bring a timeless elegance and a touch of romantic allure to outdoor spaces, making them an enduring favorite among gardeners of all levels of expertise. At Martin Garden Center, we sell more than 1000 hydrangeas each year and we usually have 30-60 different species in our Shade House at any given time.

Growing and Caring For Hydrangea

Hydrangeas thrive in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Amending the soil with compost or well-rotted manure enhances fertility and moisture retention. When planting hydrangeas, choose a site with partial shade, especially in regions with hot afternoon sun, to prevent stress. Ensure proper spacing, allowing adequate air circulation to reduce the risk of diseases. Planting in the early spring or fall provides hydrangeas with the opportunity to establish robust root systems before facing the challenges of extreme weather conditions.

These shrubs require regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plants aids in moisture retention, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds. Hydrangeas respond well to deep watering rather than frequent shallow watering. Hydrangeas should aslos be pruned after they flower to ensure that you don’t accidentally cut off next year’s buds. A slight application of a slow release fertilizer in the spring and again in the fall (Easter and Thanksgiving in the Upstate) is usually sufficient for Hydrangeas.

The biggest challenge you will face with your Hydrangea is Black Spot. There is fungus among us and once your hydrangea become infected, their leaves will slowly spot and the aesthetics of black spot will cause you great angst over the great ugly hydrangea in your yard. If you have had black spot in the past, you will have it again. To prevent this from happening, start in mid-April with a monthly fungicide preventive. At Martin Garden Center, we spray our hydrangea every 4 weeks with Bonide’s Infuse Ready to Spray. One bottle covers several hundred Hydrangea. So, in a home setting, one bottle should last you a long time and … no more angst over Black Spot.

Our Selection Of Hydrangea

There are 5 types of hydrangeas and there is also a hydrangea vine (which really isn’t a hydrangea). These are listed below with a link to their own page.

Size and Shape Of Hydrangea

Some Hydrangeas can grow as tall as 15 feet, while others remain small and compact, reaching only a few feet in height. Their leaves are typically broad and oval-shaped, with a pointed tip. The leaves can be as small as a few inches long or as large as a foot. They are typically dark green and have a slightly rough texture. The flowers are the most distinctive feature of Hydrangeas. The flowers are large and showy, with a round or flattened shape that can be as much as a foot in diameter. However, some hydrangeas have flowers that are cone-shaped rather than round. They make excellent cut flowers for a floral arrangement and display. They also make fantastic dried flowers and at Martin Garden Center, we cut groups in the fall, spray them with floral spray, and then use them in Christmas displays.

Leaves and Flowers Of Hydrangea

The leaves and flowers of Hydrangeas contribute to their enchanting appearance, adding layers of texture and color to garden landscapes. The leaves are often large, with a distinct, serrated edge, showcasing a lush green hue as an attractive backdrop to the blossoms. The foliage is typically arranged in an opposite pattern along the stems, creating a dense and verdant canopy. Hydrangea leaves can also provide shade to the soil and reduce weed growth.

Hydrangea flowers are renowned for their captivating beauty and unique characteristics. The flower heads, composed of smaller individual flowers, vary in shape and arrangement among different hydrangea varieties. The color of hydrangea blooms is a defining feature, and what makes them particularly fascinating is their ability to change based on soil pH. Acidic soils produce blue to purple flowers, while alkaline soils produce pink to red hues. This color-changing trait adds an element of surprise to hydrangea cultivation and allows gardeners to tailor the bloom colors to their preferences by adjusting the soil conditions.

Uses of Hydrangea in the Garden

Hydrangeas are incredibly versatile and can be used in many creative ways in your garden. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Hydrangea hedge: Hydrangeas can be used to create a beautiful and functional hedge. Plant them close together and prune them regularly to maintain the desired height and shape.
Focal Point: Hydrangeas can be a focal point in your garden or landscaping. Plant them in a prominent location and surround them with other flowers and plants that complement their color and texture.
Grow hydrangeas in containers: Dwarf Hydrangeas can be grown in containers, making them an excellent choice for patios, decks, and other outdoor spaces. Choose a large container and fill it with well-draining soil. Water regularly and fertilize sparingly.

How & When To Prune Hydrangeas?

Pruning hydrangeas is essential to maintain their shape, encourage healthy growth, and enhance flowering. Understanding the specific blooming habits of your hydrangea type is crucial to ensure you don’t inadvertently remove potential flower buds and compromise the plant’s floral display. However, the timing and method of pruning depend on the specific type of hydrangea.

For mophead and lacecap hydrangeas, it’s advisable to prune immediately after flowering, usually in late spring or early summer. This allows the plant to set buds for the next year’s blooms. Remove dead or weak wood and, if needed, selectively trim older stems to promote new growth.

On the other hand, Hydrangea paniculata can be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Cut back about one-third of the oldest stems, focusing on shaping the shrub and removing any dead or crossed branches.

How To Propagate Hydrangeas?

Propagating hydrangeas can be achieved through several methods, allowing gardeners to expand their hydrangea collection.

One common method is by taking softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. Choose healthy, non-flowering shoots with a few pairs of leaves and cut them just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top, and dip the cut end in the rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining medium, keeping them consistently moist until roots develop.
Another method is layering, where a low-growing stem is selected, wounded slightly, and then buried in the soil, allowing roots to form before severing it from the parent plant. Whichever method is chosen, providing a warm and humid environment during the rooting process and planting the new hydrangeas in their desired location once established ensures successful propagation and a growing hydrangea family in the garden.

Do Deer Eat Hydrangeas?

Deer are known to be relatively uninterested in hydrangeas, as these flowering shrubs are often considered deer-resistant. However, the level of deer resistance can vary depending on the local deer population, food availability, and specific hydrangea varieties. While hydrangeas are not entirely immune to deer browsing, they are generally considered a safer choice for gardens in areas frequented by these animals.

When Do Hydrangeas Bloom?

The blooming time of hydrangeas depends on the specific variety and the local climate. Mophead and lacecap hydrangeas typically bloom in late spring to early summer, with some variations based on the particular cultivar. Panicle hydrangeas generally bloom in mid to late summer, while oakleaf hydrangeas showcase their blossoms in late spring to early summer.