How Closely Should Hydrangeas Be Planted?

Hydrangeas are hardy flowering perennial shrubs with large domed or flattened flower clusters. They are typically grown in late spring or early fall, as they are still dormant during these periods, making the risk of transplant shock lower. The best time to plant hydrangeas is during the late spring or early fall when the plant is still dormant, making the risk of transplant shock lower.

The spacing for hydrangeas should be at least 5 feet (1.5m) apart, with the minimum of 30″ from the center. Most varieties in Endless Summer will reach 3-4 feet wide at maturity, so it is recommended to give them at least two feet away from the foundation. Space the minimum of 30″ from the center, as these plants will need daily watering for their first two seasons.

For larger varieties like oakleaf hydrangeas or mophead hydrangeas, plant them 3 to 6 feet apart. For smaller varieties like panicle hydrangeas, plant them 3 to 6 feet apart. Hydrangeas can be planted relatively close to a house, but it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure the health of the plant and the integrity of your home’s foundation.

To care for your hydrangeas, choose the right site, plant, and care for them based on your climate and growing conditions. Planting close together may result in a denser wall of foliage, but individual plants will not be symmetrical or seen to best advantage. Ideally, plant your shrubby hydrangea in light shade and away from frost pockets or exposed spots to reduce late frost damage to the new spring growth.

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 is the best landscaping with hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas are a beautiful garden plant that can be complemented by various plants such as annuals, ornamental grasses, hostas, ferns, evergreens, and small-to-medium-sized trees. To create a dreamy summer entry, water them at the base or roots with drip irrigation or soaker hoses. Overhead watering can cause diseases like Cercospora leaf spot. To achieve a bold, blue hue, work coffee grounds into the soil around your hydrangeas in late fall, months ahead of the blooming season. Repeat this application two to three times a year. This will help achieve your garden goals and ensure your hydrangeas thrive in the long run.

How much space does a hydrangea need?

Hydrangeas are a popular and long-lasting plant that can be grown in various ways, such as as single specimen plants or in combination with other shrubs. They should be planted in spring or early summer, with regular watering and organic mulch covering the root zone. Spacing varies, but typically at least 5 feet apart. Plant tags should be checked for mature width when planting hydrangeas. Visit local display gardens or garden centers to learn about the best hydrangeas for your area.

Pruning hydrangeas varies by species, but most can be done in early winter or spring. Bigleaf hydrangeas should be pruned in mid-spring to see which buds survived winter. Hydrangea petals are dry bracts, making them easy to dry. Cut them after the colors fade and allow the stems to dry naturally in a dry vase for two weeks.

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.

What not to plant next to hydrangeas?

Lavender, a Mediterranean plant, is sensitive to soil moisture, humidity, and sun, preferring dry, rocky, sandy conditions. Its unhappy condition can cause it to turn yellow, brown, and snap off its stem. Daffodils can be toxic to other plants due to their secreted substance. Marigolds, while a great companion plant for many herbs and vegetables, do not like hydrangeas. They prefer sun and prefer their feet in drier conditions, and if placed in moist ground, they will droop, turn yellow, and eventually die.

Do hydrangeas grow best in sun or shade?

Hydrangeas, commonly known as hydrangeas, prefer partial sun locations, receiving sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon. The Endless Summer® Hydrangea series, such as BloomStruck®, Endless Summer®, Blushing Bride®, and Twist-n-Shout®, prefer part shade. Smooth hydrangeas like the Annabelle Hydrangea also require some shade from the afternoon sun. Bigleaf hydrangeas, also known as hydrangea macrophylla, prefer some shade, especially during the afternoon. For best flowering, big leaf hydrangeas like Nikko Blue and Glowing Embers should get some sun.

Planting hydrangeas in a spot with good drainage, morning sun, and afternoon shade is essential. Most hydrangeas bloom in spring and summer, and can reach heights of 15 feet or higher. They can be grown in pots to decorate patios, apartment balconies, or as a hedge or privacy screen.

Panicle hydrangeas like Fire Light®, Limelight, Pinky Winky®, Strawberry Sundae®, and Vanilla Strawberry® can thrive in full sun. The new reblooming dwarf series, Let’s Dance®, and dwarf big leaf series, Cityline®, grow best in full or part sun. Newer smooth hydrangea varieties, Incrediball®, and Invincibelle® Ruby, are also recommended for full or part sun.

What does a hydrangea look like with too much sun?

Sunlight sensitivity is a significant concern for plants, as excessive direct sunlight can cause leaves to turn crispy brown at the edges, affecting their health and ability to produce show-stopping blooms. Seasonal sun considerations are crucial, as the intensity of the sun changes year-round, and plants should be aware of these changes. Signs of sun damage in French hydrangea include wilting leaves, crisp edges, and brittle, discolored blooms. These symptoms can indicate sunburn or heat stress, and it is essential to monitor the sun’s intensity and location to ensure the health and longevity of your plants.

What happens if you plant hydrangeas too close to each other?

Planting hydrangeas close together can reduce airflow and increase disease prevalence. To ensure healthy plants and gardeners, leave adequate space between plants. Incrediball hydrangeas should be 3-5 feet apart, but can be spaced 3 feet if desired. The number of plants needed for a hedge depends on the plant spacing, and using a plant calculator can help determine the number of plants needed for your space. See how some great gardeners created hedges for inspiration.

Do hydrangeas multiply?

Hydrangeas are a popular plant for their stunning blooms, and with proper timing and propagation techniques, you can grow new ones from simple stem cuttings. To maximize the results, follow these steps:

1. Time hydrangea cuttings for optimal results. Gather your tools before starting, take your cuttings in the early morning, treat them with rooting hormone, plant them promptly, and care for them.

2. Softwood hydrangea cuttings root quickly and easily. Most professional growers use softwood cuttings, which root quickly and yield better results. Time your propagation for late spring or early summer, when new stems first start to harden, usually between May and mid-July. This stage allows new hydrangea stems to bend but snap off easily, and cuttings are predisposed to vigorous growth. A premium rooting hormone, such as GardenTech® brand’s RootBoost™ Rooting Hormone, can help stimulate root development even more.

In summary, hydrangeas are a versatile plant that can be grown from simple stem cuttings with proper timing and propagation techniques.

How close to a tree can I plant a hydrangea?

Hydrangeas are a popular and low-maintenance plant that thrive in partial shade with morning sun for about four to six hours. They are native to both Asia and the United States and are known for their colorful blossoms that bob along all summer long. However, it is important to consider whether planting hydrangeas underneath a tree will allow them to thrive or cause them to falter. Hydrangeas are low-maintenance plants that grow easily in many different climates, making them a great garden choice for gardeners everywhere. To ensure the safety of your hydrangeas, it is best to plant them away from the main roots of the tree, as they do best in partial shade with morning sun for about four to six hours.

How close to the house should I plant a hydrangea?

Two feet of spacing between hydrangeas is likely too close, especially near your house, which can cause them to become crowded. It is best to have shrubs have a couple feet of clearance near the house walls. The type of hydrangea you bought can determine the spacing, with some growing up to 10 feet and others 5-6 feet apart. Endless Summer, a newer variety, is planted about 3-5 feet apart and can bloom on both new and old wood. Older types bloom only on old wood and may bloom the following summer in harsh winters.

If you have any plant tags, check the Lowes website for typical plant tags. To increase the distance, lift some hydrangeas and group them in groups of 3 or five. Hydrangeas have shallow roots, making them easy to transplant.