Hydrangeas should be planted in the fall when they have six weeks of mild weather, as either heat or cold can stress the plant. The expected last frost day is usually from April 7th to 20th, so it’s best to plant in the fall 1-2 weeks after that. If you prefer fall planting, the latest date is the last week of September.
The best time to plant hydrangeas is in the fall because the conditions are less harsh than in summer and the plant has all winter to get its roots established. Hydrangeas are easy to grow, tolerant of most soils, including clay, grow in sun or semi-shade, and can be transplanted in fall or early spring. Dormancy is approaching, and any transplanting shock or stress will allow the plant to adapt and harden off before starting its growth the following spring.
There are several easy-to-grow, easy-to-love hydrangeas that can be planted during the cool season of fall. Some experts suggest planting hydrangeas in early fall because the soil still holds onto warmer temperatures from summer and will remain warm until the following spring. Both spring and fall are usually given as options, but planting hydrangeas in fall is an alternative due to similar temperature and lighting conditions.
While hydrangeas are sturdy plants that can survive early and late frosts, there could be some winter damage done to newly planted ones. The ideal time to plant hydrangeas is spring or fall when the weather is mild, as the first and last frost days come at different times.
📹 When to Plant Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are among the most adored flowering shrubs. Their summertime blooms add color and texture to the garden. In this …
What temperature is best for hydrangeas?
To maintain a healthy Hydrangea plant, use temperature control devices like a min-max thermometer or a smart AC controller with a Comfy Mode. Adjust the plant’s temperature during winter by moving away from cold windows and insulate it from drafts, and provide shade in summer to protect it from intense heat. Gradually acclimate the plant to seasonal changes, as sudden changes can be overwhelming for them. Remember to be patient and adaptable to maintain a healthy Hydrangea.
Do hydrangeas like coffee grounds?
To change the color of hydrangeas, start by adding coffee grounds to the soil around them in late fall. Work the grounds into the soil to eliminate any off-putting smell and do this two to three times per year. It will take time to turn hydrangeas blue, especially for new baby hydrangeas that may not bloom for a couple of years. Start adding coffee grounds months before the blooming season begins, ideally in late fall. Repeat the process with your regular fertilizing schedule. With a little caffeine and patience, your hydrangeas should reward your efforts with bold blue globes in the spring.
How long will hydrangeas last?
Cut hydrangeas require a lot of water to last, so it’s important to water them immediately after bringing them home. The mophead hydrangea, with its giant pompom blooms, is the most popular choice for making a big floral statement. Hydrangeas, native to Asia and America, have 70 species, with the mophead being the most instantly recognisable. They come in a spectrum of shades, from pure white to pink and lavender, green and blue, depending on the pH level of the soil. In Japan, the hydrangea symbolizes gratitude and sincerity, as an emperor gave a bunch of blue hydrangeas to a woman he loved deeply, as a symbol of his love.
In summary, hydrangeas are a versatile and versatile flower that can be used to create a variety of floral expressions. To make cut hydrangeas last longer, it’s essential to water them immediately after bringing them home and to ensure they are well-cared for.
Where do hydrangeas grow best?
Hydrangeas are best planted in areas with morning sun and afternoon shade, with mature sizes and ample room for growth. They should be planted in areas with excellent drainage and composted soil. Avoid planting under trees, as root competition and lack of sunlight can hinder their growth. Plant hydrangeas in exposed areas with gusty winds. To start, amend the soil with organic matter and an all-purpose slow-release fertilizer. Plant slightly higher than in the nursery container, with a planting hole 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball.
Gently loosen potbound roots before planting, backfill with amended soil, and water well. Space hydrangeas at least 3 feet apart for larger varieties. For pot planting, use bagged potting mix instead of garden soil, mix in slow-release fertilizer, leave 1 to 2 inches between the soil and pot rim, and ensure pots have drainage holes and room for plant growth.
What temperature can hydrangeas tolerate?
Bigleaf hydrangeas are capable of withstanding frost, with some varieties exhibiting tolerance to temperatures as low as -15°F. Nevertheless, the plants are susceptible to damage from temperatures below 10°F. To enhance the quality and quantity of flower clusters, it is recommended to elevate soil fertility by topdressing the root zone with rotted manure and organic mulch, or applying a balanced organic fertilizer twice yearly. The recommended plant spacing is 4′ 11″ on center for single plants and 4′ 11″ for rows.
Are hydrangeas best in pots or ground?
Pot-grown hydrangeas can be planted in various locations, including open ground or containers using John Innes compost. Large pots are recommended for long-lasting growth. In open ground, prepare the soil by adding garden compost or organic manure, and 6X Natural Fibrous Fertilizer to boost humus content. Add Vitax Hydrangea Feed or compost when planting for essential nutrients for healthy growth and beautiful blooms. Hydrangeas thrive on most soils and heavy clay, making them ideal for new-build gardens and wet, compacted soils.
Regularly adding organic compost or manure helps hold on to moisture, while mulching the ground around the plants with compost or bark early in the season helps retain moisture. This is done after their annual application of Vitax Hydrangea Feed.
What does hydrangea look like in winter?
Hydrangeas, a popular deciduous shrub in gardens across Britain, are known for their vibrant, plump blooms. However, in winter, their delicate petals fade, causing them to appear dry and brown. To ensure their return in April, they need targeted care. Hydrangeas come in various shapes, including circular balls and graduated cones. The most iconic variety is the large rounded flower heads, but double-flowers and bi-colored varieties can also be grown as climbers or in containers. As winter approaches, it’s crucial to prepare your hydrangeas for the new season.
Do hydrangeas like sun or shade?
Hydrangeas thrive in full sun to part sun, but can also tolerate some shade. They can be in full shade during the hottest part of the day, especially in hotter climates. However, insufficient sun can lead to reduced flowering and weaker stems. To ensure hydrangeas thrive in their gardens, consider the timing and type of shade. Some hydrangeas are more shade-tolerant than others, so don’t let a little shade hinder your gardening goals.
Do hydrangeas last in heat?
Hydrogenas are resilient plants that can recover from heat and wilt in the summer, but excessive stress can cause their cell structure to collapse, causing leaves to not return until fall or spring. To protect the damaged flowers, it is recommended to keep the leaves on the damaged flowers. Home gardeners are experiencing delays in hydrangea blooms or none at all, according to Alec Charais of Bailey Nurseries.
What is the latest you can plant hydrangeas?
It is inadvisable to defer planting until the final week of August for autumn sowing. In northern states, the optimal time to plant hydrangea bushes in the spring is mid-May. However, a slight delay can be made until the first week of September, which is before the first expected frost.
What month is best to plant hydrangeas?
Planting hydrangeas in the Southeast is best done in the fall due to less harsh conditions and the absence of leaves. However, planting in early spring after the last frost can be challenging due to the tough growing conditions of the season. Hydrangeas need morning sun and afternoon shade for optimal blooming, but they will not tolerate hot afternoon sun. To ensure the best planting location, watch your landscape for a few days to ensure the area receives shade during the hottest part of the day.
It is essential to keep hydrangeas well-watered throughout the season, as they need to endure the toughest growing conditions. Overall, planting hydrangeas in the fall is a wise decision for optimal growth and health.
📹 I’m Still Planting Hydrangeas in November 🌿// Garden Answer
ABOUT MEMy name is Laura and I, along with my husband, make gardening videos. I live in Eastern Oregon and garden in …
In a few years can you do a article that shows clips from planting the hedge to a few clips from monthly garden tours per year to show how they’re growing, to maybe some clips when they’re touching and your shaping them into the full hedge, and then when you are just maintaining them? Like an all around this is how you make a hedge, it takes years to grow in but here look what patience brings you sort of a thing?
just moved to zone 6b, snow and below 0. from phoenix. pulling out the box hedge around the edge of the lawn. house is colonial revival. took the bulbs back to the store, no time to plant. just moved here 2.5 months ago. took out the roses along the walkway, the bushes smooshed up against the house. have to figure out a garden for next year. glad I found this gal. will plant some muscari, hopefully this week. it’s 29F out there today
This area looks great! You give so many great tips in this article. I’m sure that no matter how experienced or knowledgeable the “gardeners” who watch this article may be, they’re bound to learn/relearn some valuable lessons. Any Garden Answer article that involves hydrangeas is a wonderful one to me. I LOVE THEM! 💜
Hydrangeas are my favorite!!! Next spring I’m moving my blue ones to a more protected area…the plants were beautiful, but not one bloom because it got down to -22F degrees last winter where I live…zone 4. Then I’m putting Incrediballs in their place. Can’t wait! Also can’t wait to see how Laura’s turn out!
Love your garden! I just finished germinating the rest of my fall seeds and I can’t wait to start picking soon! I live in Fl zone 9b so I love that I can grow my own produce all year long, pretty much. I’ve been gardening for about 7 years now and I hope to get enough funds soon so I can grow my own produce and donate to the homeless shelters in need. It’s amazing to me what beauty Mother nature is, in the many ways she provides for us!
Looks gorgeous! In November I plant for summer, got the daffodils to lift and my hydrangeas have been trimmed before spring really started and the new buds starting. Now they are looking a picture! My marigolds look so cute and my violas are smelling lovely! All nicely arranged like wee soldiers, I like a tidy garden ! Xxx
Enjoy your vlogs!!! 1. With hydrangeas, which ones can you change the pH level on to change for example, from a blue to a pink? 2. Have you made a article on the water/drip system you use OR advice for people that have much smaller yards/gardens? 3. Do you hire a plumber for those hydrants you have? 4. Outdoor lighting: I would also like several outdoor electrical boxes, would it make sense to hire an electrician at the same time as the plumber? Thank you! Sara Collins
Hi Laura! I clicked on the link you provided for the Invincibelle Limetta hydrangeas …new in 2018! I think this sweet smaller hydrangea that would work great in my small yard. This year (late fall) I purchased the step-on edger shovel that you recommended (I haven’t had a chance to use it), I love the clean crisp edge and mulch …that area looks fantastic! The golden weeping willow in the background as you were planting is a show stopper. I look forward to see new articles from you they are a great start my day!
Irrigation question: Instead of having separate hose lines for the Boxwood and the Hydrangeas, could you have used one line down the middle between the two and then used micro tubing to reach each plant on both sides? I remember you doing something similar in large planters to water individual plants from the main hose. Maybe the same application wouldn’t work in this situation? Oh, and I agree with everyone else – your new side-garden is going to look gorgeous!
This combination is going to be GLORIOUS!!✨😍✨My two absolute favorites planted together. I 💜 the clean crisp lines of boxwoods married with the wild abundance of hydrangeas! It’s a match made in heaven for sure! With that being the west side of your house will the hydrangeas scorch during the summer? I live in a very similar summer climate & would absolutely 💜💜💜 to replicate this look but have been too afraid of our scorching summer sun.
Beautiful. I’m so enjoying perusal this area come together, I love your plant choices and how they will look together, and it is amazing how a clean line and mulch just pulls everything together and makes it look amazing! Thank you for this article I really enjoyed perusal this one and look forward to the next one, have a great day!
Laura why are the sprinter boxwoods restricted from Tn.? I live in Tn. and love those! I desperately need a few of these for in front of my porch on one side that I get a lot of shade which makes it difficult to grow any kind of hedge. These would be perfect because they stay small and can take some shade.
It looks great😍 the mulch & edging pulled it together, completed the whole project. I can’t wait to see how it does in years to come. How hard was it to dig the first planting hole 18″ or so from that tree? Every time I try to plant anything that close to established large tree I hit roots in planting hole and new plant dies.😞 but even if mine looked as good as yours does for a year I’d count it as a success.
Laura – I have subscribed to your website for a few years now, but I no longer get your article updates. They used to come into my Inbox whenever you post. Do you have an idea how I get back to getting the notices? It still shows me as subscribed, but I’ve missed almost a year’s with of staying in touch with you. Thanks always for your inspirations.
👌. Wish we had Proven Winners in India…..thank you and Aaron for all the projects you plan, execute and the updates that you post..it makes it that much easier for us to visualise the space and design, the plant selection and the numerous choices we have to make….wishful design vs practical maintenance….not to forget special apperances by 🐹 Russel and No.
hi laura love hydrangeas what a difference with clean lines this will look fab next spring and the next haha love the boxwoods too love your website so helpfull lots of advice and tips am a gardener myself and florist run,y floristbuisness from my farmhouse not long moved in here so million things to do but you give me lots of ideas and inspiration and want to thank you from the bottom of my heart your last home and garden was stunning especailly at christmas your hubby done an amazing job with all the lights so am looking forward to seeing this home and your stunning garden thanks so much for sharing always love perusal your website love it keep up your amazing work love your mums garden centre also lots of hugs chat soon
Highs today in Indy made it to the freezing mark. Was 18°F last night with wind chills at 5°F. I don’t think any Hydrangeas here are green. In fact I was covering my potted perennials, and little trees seedlings with burlap, and bringing them into my garage so the roots don’t burn and die. I love on the border between USDA Zones 5b/6a.
Thank you, Laura! You’ve become me personal gardening tutor/mentor! I’m super new to gardening – we’ve just moved into our first home three weeks ago. I have always LOVED hydrangea and would love to have some in my yard. I’ve just planted some boxwood hedges in a plant bed in front of the house but would like to do a few hydrangea behind them. I have about 24″ from the edge of the house to the center of the boxwood so do I have enough space to plant a couple of smaller hydrangea? Thanks so much!
I live in Philadelphia which is zone 7A/7B. I have a lovely mature hydrangea that is just starting to show fall colors. We haven’t had a freeze yet. We are planning on changing out our small garden space and the hydrangea will be too domineering for the space. My sister would love to have the plant so my question is, should we transfer the plant now or wait for spring? It’s the type of hydrangea that blooms from old wood. Thanks!
Where i live we have very limited resources for buying plants and shrubs. All the big box stores and maybe 2 or 3 nurserys like Andrews. Do you suggest order plants like hydrangeas and boxwoods online? The quality here is not that great. What are your opinions on ordering live plants shipped to your home? Thank you for your website!
Laura Hi. Our new ones are in. Pots how often would we need to warer as we all know plants in Pots dry out more. We bought 4 small Hygrangeas plants from Sarah Raven. They are small and had leaves on them when they arrived. 2 are the Limelight ones and the other 2 turn pink. 2 have leaves on now the other 2 do not. They are not in very large pots, we will put them in large pots after Christmas.. Would we need to feed them when we repot them? I really hope we get new leaves on all 4 next year, i know the leaves will fall off of the other 2 in time. Any info would be great from anyone on here that grows them x cheers x
I live in South Western Nova Scotia, I purchased a couple of Wintergreen plants a few weeks ago have I waited too long to get them in the ground? I’m in a 6a growing zone. We haven’t had a hard frost yet, and it actually rained quite a bit last night and is going to again today. The temp over the past couple of weeks has been between 11F and 2F.
You’ve stolen my idea of having hydrangeas all next to my driveway with boxwoods😂😃😃i am planning on having a sharp boxwood hedge in the fromt and then 3 each of white, pink, purple, blue planted respectively so that when we enter the droveway it gives kind of a gtadient color changibg look. Which in my dreams is going to be awesome. I cannot wait for spring next year.
I can imagine what that will look like next year, just beautiful. Hydrangeas are one of my favorites . “We all need more weed suppression in our lives”, girl you said a mouthful then. It’s the truth. One way I suppress ‘weeds’ in my life is surround myself with positive people, like you and Aaron. The Sonlight shows in both of you. Hope you guys have a great Thanksgiving.
A….damnit girl…YOUR RIGHT ABOUT LIME LIGHT…NOW I CANT FIND ANY…..AND LOOK WHAT U DO…ARGH…MORE I NEED….and proven winner wont ship till april even tho right now is when we ahould be planting. If it.was me planting thst every 5th one would die and every thrid would look sick…and the dogs would kill a couple.