How Big Should Hydrangeas Be?

Hydrangea trees, commonly grown in North America, can reach heights of 6-8 feet and a canopy width of 4-6 feet wide. Newer compact cultivars like ‘Little Lime’ tend to reach a diminutive 4-6 feet tall at maturity, while older varieties like ‘Pee Gee’ can reach up to 15-20 feet in good growing conditions. The best method for keeping hydrangeas at a manageable size is to know your variety and plan accordingly. Each type has a typical mature size, so pick one that will fit in your space even when it’s fully grown.

Planting Hydrangeas can be done in spring or fall, with planting in fall giving roots more time to establish but requiring protection during cold winters. The size of your container is crucial as the plant’s roots need room to grow into during their stay. Pots measuring at least 16-24″ wide and deep will often accommodate a good-sized hydrangea nicely for a few years.

Hydrophusas come in various sizes, depending on the kind they are. Climbing hydrangeas can reach 600 inches tall and about 70 inches wide, while Mountain hydrangeas (one of the largest) can grow up to 40 feet. The smallest hydrangea measures 3 feet, while the largest, the climbing hydrangea, can grow to 40 feet.

Hydrophusas can grow quite large, so they need a much bigger pot before long (450 mm minimum) or a nice spot in your garden. A large pot measuring at least 24 inches in diameter is roomy enough to accommodate a small to midsized hydrangea for several years. Some hydrangea varieties only grow to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, while others grow up to 6 feet tall with a 6 foot spread.

When placing your hydrangeas in your pot, leave a good 1-2″ between the top of the soil and the rim of the container to allow water to flow when placing them. Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs that grow from 4-to 12-feet in height depending on the variety.