Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a long-time favorite with gardeners and possess a sort of old-fashioned charm.  Many of us can recall seeing at least one Hydrangea in our grandmother’s garden (usually the Pee-Gee variety).

The Hydrangea has become increasingly popular in recent years, perhaps due to its stunning beauty, nostalgia and large variety of plant selections. Hydrangeas are relatively quick growers, long- lived and low maintenance. Thanks to new varieties you can now grow Hydrangeas from zone 3-10!  

Due to the large variety of Hydrangeas available, make sure you know exactly what you are buying before you purchase. If the plant is not in bloom when you are buying it, find out the variety and refer to a picture to identify it.  Some Hydrangeas are more shrub-like, others tree-like. There is even a variety that is a climber (H. anomaia petiolaris). Additionally, size, color, growth pattern and cold hardiness vary greatly. You don’t want to spend your time and money planting a Hydrangea that doesn’t re-emerge next spring because it’s an annual in your zone!

Careful selection of Hydrangea varieties can ensure that you have blooms from spring until the first frost in the fall. Most Hydrangea shrubs grow about 5-8’ tall and 6-10’ wide. Hydrangeas are perfect as specimen plants, hedgerows, or foundation plants. The Pee Gee variety is a small tree and can grow upward of 15-25 feet. There are also some compact varieties; these are usually seen in containers.

Hydrangeas prefer rich, moist soil and partial shade. If you do plant in full sun, be sure there is some afternoon shade because Hydrangeas are susceptible to heat drought.  Unrelieved full sun in the midday heat can damage the delicate flowers. If your Hydrangea wilts by midday you have probably planted it in a spot where it receives too much sun for too long. Consider relocating it to another spot that offers some afternoon shade.

Caring for the Hydrangea shrub is fairly easy. Fertilize them once in the spring with a formula for acid-loving plants.  Most Hydrangeas require little pruning, but old, dead or damaged wood can be pruned off. Some varieties re-bloom after deadheading.  Hydrangea blooms are especially easy to dry and use in floral arrangements.

Hydrangeas are generally disease and pest free. They can be susceptible to powdery mildew if the circulation surrounding the plant is poor and conditions are overly moist. You can treat this with a fungicide if it becomes a real problem. Be sure to collect all leaf droppings in the fall and properly dispose of them to ensure there is no future contamination.

Pink or Blue?

A special note about the color of Hydrangea blooms: flower color on some varieties changes depending on the Ph of the soil they are in. If you want blue blooms, amend the soil to a Ph.   between 4.5 and 5; pink, above 6.3.   Experimenting can be fun!