Are Hydrangeas Hardy In Missouri?

The article discusses the best varieties of hydrangeas to grow in Missouri, including their best varieties, fertilization and pruning methods, and prevention of common pests and diseases. Big leaf hydrangeas are hardy in the Midwest, but flowering abundance can vary greatly from year to year. Flower buds are produced on “old wood” or “old growth”, meaning the best time to plant hydrangeas in Missouri is in the spring after the last frost.

The smooth hydrangea, a native shrub to Missouri, produces white flowers in early summer that gradually change color to pinkish-purple. It is a good choice for difficult, low-light areas and grows well in shade. The University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Debi suggests planting hydrangeas either in early spring or during the fall season.

Hydrangeas are cold-hardy plants, so they can get a head start in spreading out. Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) is a native shrub to Missouri, producing white blooms in early summer and preferring some shade where the soil remains moist. It is subject to wilting in dry soils, so avoid west exposures where it’s hot.

Panicle hydrangeas are hardy to zone 3 and can be planted in the garden for years in the southern third of Missouri (hardiness zone six). Hydrangea paniculata, one of the most commonly found varieties in St. Louis gardens, has very high cold tolerance and is hardy to zone 3.

In northwest Missouri or similar zones, it is recommended to locate a semi-shady site along the path of the oakleaf hydrangea. Hydrangea arborescens is hardy, easy to grow, and early to flower, with new versions offering basketball-size blooms, pink hues, dwarf forms, and stronger stems.

Where in the US do hydrangeas grow best?

Panicle hydrangeas are hardy plants that thrive in full sun and partial shade, with the best heat and cold tolerance of all hydrangeas. They bloom from summer to fall, typically white, with some varieties like ‘Limelight’ Hydrangea boasting lime-green blooms that mature to creamy white. In cooler zones, they may turn pink or blush colored, sometimes even red. They can be grown in containers in Zone 4 and can be pruned in spring or fall. This North American native produces large, snowball-like clusters of pure white blooms, with smooth hydrangea flowers blooming earlier than bigleaf and most having mophead-style blooms.

What are the best cold weather hydrangeas?

Smooth and panicle hydrangeas are hardy and bloom on new growth, making them suitable for cold winters. Living in a climate with freezing temperatures is crucial, as they can take a toll on plants, even those that bloom on new growth. To protect your hydrangeas, cover the base with mulch before freezing occurs, especially in mild winters where nights and early mornings reach freezing temperatures. Protecting your plants is essential to prevent the damaging effects of harsh winters and ensure their continued growth.

Can hydrangeas grow in the Midwest?

Big leaf hydrangeas, hardy in the Midwest, bloom on old wood and are pruned after flowering. However, flowering abundance can vary greatly due to damage to flower buds from severe winter or fluctuating temperatures in early spring. The color of the flowers is indirectly related to the pH of the soil, with acidic soils resulting in less aluminum and pink flowers. In the Midwest, soils are generally alkaline, resulting in most shrubs yielding pink flowers. The plant grows in part shade, with a medium height and spread of 3-4 feet.

What zones do hydrangeas grow best in?

Hydrangeas are shrubs that exhibit a wide range of colors during their blooming period, which spans from summer to fall. The colors observed in these plants include blue, purple, pink, white, green, and red. They are relatively straightforward to cultivate in zones 3-9, with a preference for partial shade. They are frequently cultivated for their ornamental value and are often designated as “hydrangea pictures.”

How do you prune hydrangeas in Missouri?

Hydrangea quercifolia is a popular plant known for its oak leaf-shaped foliage, attractive fall colors, and winter bark. It thrives in lightly shaded or protected locations, but may experience winter dieback if grown in exposed areas. To maintain its dense habit, prune dead wood in early spring, cut back to the point of injury, and remove some oldest stems periodically. Flowers develop on old wood, so additional pruning should be done after the flowers are spent.

Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris is a desirable mid-summer flowering vine that attaches itself to brick, masonry, or wood. Its flowers appear on the previous year’s lateral shoots. Young plants should be tied to their support structure until they form aerial roots. Pruning should be kept to a minimum once established, and shoots should be deadheaded to promote good flowering.

What climate do hydrangeas grow best in?

Hydrangeas are hardy in USDA zones 3-9, with specific cold and heat tolerance varying by species. Some species prefer warmer climates, while others are more cold-hardy. Hydrangeas can be affected by pests and diseases, such as aphids and spider mites. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on leaves and cause damage by sucking sap. Spider mites, identified by their fine webbing, can also cause damage by sucking sap from leaves. Controlling these pests and diseases is crucial for maintaining their health.

What is the most heat tolerant hydrangea?

The Smooth hydrangea, native to the eastern United States, is a heat-tolerant plant with dense growth and attractive grayish green leaves. It can reach heights and widths of about 10 feet and is accustomed to warmer climates. The Bigleaf hydrangea, with its shiny, toothed leaves and symmetrical shape, is another heat-tolerant plant with a mature height of 4 to 8 feet. It is divided into two flower types – lacecap and mophead – and is among the most heat-tolerant hydrangeas.

The Panicle hydrangea, another heat-tolerant plant, needs five to six hours of sunlight and can grow up to 20 feet. It is hardy and heat-tolerant, reaching heights of about 6 feet and turning reddish bronze in autumn. Oakleaf hydrangeas are drought-tolerant but still need moisture during hot, dry weather. To learn more about these hydrangea plants, sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter and receive a free download of the DIY eBook “Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter”.

How to grow hydrangeas in Kansas?

Macrophylla hydrangeas are a new type of hydrangea that can be grown in Kansas, requiring constant moisture and sunlight. They prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, but too much shade can prevent flowering and high watering needs can scorch them. They are easy to grow with consistent moisture and fertilizer, and blooms can occur during spring and summer.

The color of macrophylla hydrangeas varies based on soil pH levels. Pink flowers indicate alkaline soil above pH 6. 5, while blue blooms indicate more acidic soil. To change the pH, the desired color is chosen. Blue is the most prized color, while pink is easier to achieve in Kansas due to naturally high pH soils. To lower the pH for a blue bloom, soil samples should be taken and sulfur added to the soil.

To plant macrophyllas, dig a five by five or six-foot box in a five by five or six-foot area, and adjust the pH by incorporating sulfur. This will allow the hydrangea to grow in the desired location, ensuring a healthy and vibrant display of color.

What is the best earth for hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas thrive in open sunny conditions but prefer light shade and thrive on heavy clay soils, making them ideal for new-build gardens and wet, compacted soils. To retain moisture, organic compost or organic manure can be added regularly and mulched around the plants with compost or bark. The mophead and lace cap hydrangeas are the best known and offer the widest color range, with some flowers changing color during the season. To maintain the blue color, Vitax Hydrangea Colourant can be added to the soil or diluted in water and watered on established plants.

New hydrangea varieties are bred for compact growth and produce more flowers on new season’s shoots and those formed the previous year. However, it is important to be patient and use Vitax Hydrangea Colourant when maintaining the color of the plants.

Can I plant hydrangeas in Missouri?

The Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) is a native shrub native to Missouri, known for its white blooms in early summer and preferring shade in moist soil. It is susceptible to wilting in dry soils, so avoid hot west exposures. These plants bloom on new growth, so can be cut back each season. Hydrangeas are medium to large shrubs with small, clustered flowers, often used in fresh or dried arrangements. To ensure proper growth, let the blooms mature before cutting.

For dried arrangements, leave the water level low and let the blooms dry in an upright position or clip and bundle with a rubber band to dry upside down in the garage. Popular cultivars include ‘Grandiflora’ or ‘Annabele’, which have bigger and more numerous blooms. Deadheading can prolong the bloom into fall for both types of plants.

What conditions are best for hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas thrive in moist, free-draining soil and dappled shade, but should be avoided in south-facing positions, especially if the soil is very dry. For shaded vertical surfaces, grow the climbing hydrangea Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris. Young growth is prone to frost damage in spring, so plant away from strong winds. Hydrangeas can thrive in alkaline and acidic soil, but the pH of the soil can change the color of some varieties, such as pink flowers appearing blue in acidic soil. The best time to plant hydrangeas is in spring or autumn, when the soil is warm and moist.