How To Maintain Florida Hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas in Florida require specific pruning techniques, a fertilization schedule tailored to their needs, and measures to protect them during extreme weather. To care for hydrangeas in Florida, consider the location, soil conditions, and watering needs. Hydrangeas prefer moist, well-draining soil, and regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells.

Choose the right location for your hydrangeas, as they require minimal care in well-drained, fertile soil and are shade lovers. They grow to several feet in height and can be three to five feet wide. To keep them protected from the high heat of the day, plant them in a partially shaded location on the north side of your home and amend the soil. Plant hydrangea plants in an area with full morning sun and partial sunlight after midday to protect them from the afternoon heat.

Water at a rate of 1 inch per week throughout the growing season and add mulch underneath your hydrangeas to help keep the soil moist. By following these tips, you can ensure your hydrangeas receive the necessary care and protection in Florida’s hot climate.

What is the best fertilizer for hydrangeas?

Organic, slow-release fertilizers for roses and hydrangeas are suitable for increasing the size and quantity of their blooms. Rose fertilizers, such as 15-10-10 or 10-5-5, provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth, while hydrangeas require balanced fertilizers with a 10-10-10 ratio for healthy growth.

Growers often ask if they need to purchase different types of fertilizer for multiple hydrangea types. The answer is no, as the same type of fertilizer can be used for all types. However, adjustments may be needed if enhancing or changing the color of specific hydrangea blooms.

However, some types of fertilizer can cause harm, and Natalie Carmolli of Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Flowering Shrubs advises against using acidic fertilizers.

Do hydrangeas like sun or no sun?

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.

Can hydrangeas grow in full shade in Florida?

Improper site selection is a major reason for hydrandea failure in Florida. All species of hydrangea thrive when they receive at least some afternoon shade, as exposure to blistering afternoon sun can lead to increased wilting, increased irrigation requirements, and “bleached” flower coloration. To avoid this, it is essential to select the proper plant for your property. Three primary species perform better in Northwest Florida: H. macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea), H. quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea), and H. paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea).

H. macrophylla, the old-fashioned hydrangea, is a standout in the shady Southern landscape and commands attention when in flower. It is low maintenance, requiring only periodic irrigation and infrequent fertilizer, and can even tolerate salt spray. However, the majority of questions about H. macrophylla involve plants not flowering due to pruning at the wrong time of year.

Advances in Hydrangea breeding have given gardeners the option to plant remontant cultivars that bloom on current season’s wood. These cultivars have an early summer flower display but continue to flower periodically throughout the rest of the summer, and can be pruned at any time without worrying about damaging the next season’s flower show.

Will hydrangeas survive in Florida?

Hydrangea can be cultivated in Florida if planted in an area that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade. The Endless Summer® BloomStruck® Hydrangea is the optimal choice due to its demonstrated resilience to high temperatures and its classification as a USDA Zone 9 hardy plant. The dark stems contribute to the plant’s overall aesthetic appeal. To safeguard the shrubs from the effects of afternoon sunlight, it is recommended that they be situated on the northern or eastern side of the residence and that they be provided with regular irrigation.

How often do you water hydrangeas in Florida?

To ensure the health of your hydrangeas, observe them daily, especially during hot, dry periods. Look for wilting flowers, as they are usually wilted in the afternoon heat. Water them when they show signs of thirst to avoid overwatering. Consistently monitor your plants, as they will tell you when they need water. Hydrangeas don’t tolerate waterlogged soil, so ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot issues. Additionally, consider adding hydrangeas to your garden, as they can change flower color based on soil pH.

How to tell if hydrangea is getting too much sun?

Hydrangeas can suffer from excessive sun exposure in warmer areas, leading to browning of leaves and flower heads. To prevent this, move them to filtered shade or a few hours of morning sun. Even in cooler zones, full-sun hydrangeas need extra watering as they wilt quickly in dry soil. Water regularly, but only when the soil feels dry, and ensure it is well-drained and moist. Check out six stunning white hydrangea bushes for inspiration.

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.

Where is the best place to plant a hydrangea in Florida?

To protect your hydrangeas from the high heat of the day, plant them in a partially shaded location on the north side of your home and amend the soil with organic matter like Black Gold Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss and Black Gold Garden Compost Blend. Follow up with a 2- to 3-inch layer of fine bark mulch or pine straw to reduce surface evaporation. If you experience dry periods, irrigate your shrubs as needed and feed them with a quality fertilizer formulated for flowering shrubs.

Sun Gro Horticulture Distribution, Inc. does not review these materials for accuracy or reliability and does not endorse the advice, opinions, or statements contained in them. These materials are available only for informational purposes and are presented “as is” without warranty of any kind, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. Reliance on any such opinion, advice, statement, or other information is at your own risk. or its affiliates are not liable for any inaccuracy, error, omission, fact, infringement, or damages resulting from the use of these materials.

How long do hydrangeas bloom in Florida?

Hydrangeas bloom from spring to early fall, but many people are disappointed when their hydrangeas don’t produce any flowers. This may be due to various reasons, such as pruning at the wrong time, insufficient sun, late winter freeze, hydrangea’s dislike of its location, or the fact that the plant hasn’t bloomed yet this year. It’s important to be aware of these potential reasons and take steps to ensure your hydrangeas are in the right place to bloom. By addressing these issues, you can ensure your hydrangeas receive the necessary care and attention they need to thrive.

How often should I water hydrangeas in Florida?

The amount of supplemental water needed for hydrangeas depends on factors such as variety, sun exposure, and time of year. For newly planted hydrangeas, watering them frequently is essential to ensure their success. For established hydrangeas, watering when the first inch of soil feels dry is recommended. If watering at twilight or mid-afternoon is part of your routine, consider switching to early morning hours to hydrate the plant for the day.

If you continue watering overhead, watering in the early morning will allow leaves to dry before the heat of the day. However, avoid watering when the day’s heat peaks as water droplets on leaves can act as magnifying glasses, reflecting sunlight and potentially burning leaves.

Irrigation-related issues can be identified by checking for too much, not enough, the wrong time of day, or overhead watering. These issues can lead to potential damage to the plant and potentially damage the leaves.

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.