In Michigan, How Are Hydrangeas Grown?

Hydrangea gardening is crucial for producing beautiful, fluffy softballs that add color to your yard. The best time to plant hydrangea shrubs in Michigan is in the early fall, as it allows them to develop healthy roots before they die. Longer days trigger hydrangea to grow, and planting outside too early can lead to their death.

To ensure hydrangeas thrive in Michigan, planting at the right time and preparing the soil properly are crucial. Most big leaf hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) bloom on the previous season’s growth and are reliably hardy to hardiness zone 6. In Michigan, it is important to choose a woody variety suitable for your climate, plant in partial shade with well-draining soil, and provide adequate water throughout the growing season.

In Michigan, hydrangeas thrive in most areas of Michigan, but those rated as Zone 6 can only withstand extremes to minus 10-15 degrees. Autumn is the best time to plant hydrangeas, followed by spring planting. Plan to plant in the spring after the last frost or in the fall before. Hydrangeas need moist and well-draining soil to thrive, and watering them well throughout the growing season is essential. Reblooming hydrangeas thrive in five to six hours of sun, spending their afternoons in the shade in an area protected from high winds.

Additionally, consider using a chicken wire cage around your hydrangeas and filling it with straw, but don’t remove the straw too soon. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your hydrangeas thrive in Michigan and bring bursts of summer color to your garden.

When should you cut back hydrangeas in Michigan?

Old wood refers to plants that stemmed from the summer before the current season, while new wood refers to stems developed during the current season. Pruning is crucial for old wood, as it should be done immediately after the flowers fade, as this will prevent cutting off the flowers for next spring. On the other hand, new wood requires pruning in early spring before new growth emerges. Common species include Big Leaf, Oakleaf, Panicle, Annabelle, and Reblooming.

Big Leaf blooms early in the summer on old wood, so pruning should be done after they flower. Oakleaf blooms cone-shaped white, while Panicle blooms panicale-shaped white. Annabelle blooms globe-shaped, so pruning should be done in early spring. Reblooming, or ‘Endless Summer,’ blooms on both old and new wood, so pruning should be done at any time. When pruning old wood, remove dead limbs and cross branches to allow the plant to receive sunlight.

How to keep hydrangeas blooming?

To maximize the number of bright hydrangea flowers in your garden, ensure your plants receive the right amount of sunlight and soil, use a fertilizer designed to increase bloom quantity, and follow a pruning and deadheading routine. Experts like Venelin Dimitrov, Amy Enfield, and David Becker recommend the following tips:

1. Provide the right amount of water: Properly water your hydrangeas several times per week to encourage deep root growth and keep the leaves and flowers dry. Apply water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves and flowers dry, and water in the morning to reduce wilting during the heat of the day.

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.

Do hydrangeas need to be cut back every year?

The optimal timing for the hydrangea plant is dependent on the specific variety in question. Pruning is not a necessary practice unless the shrub has reached an excessive size or has become unruly. As an alternative, the plant can be tidied by removing any dead branches and deadheading spent blooms, unless the shrub requires minor shaping.

Do hydrangeas grow well in Michigan?

Hydrangeas, classified as Zone 6 in Michigan, have demonstrated the capacity to withstand temperatures as extreme as minus 10 to minus 15 degrees Celsius. They flourish in protected locations and require substantial mulching. The planting of specimens in close proximity to foundations is facilitated by the presence of radiant heat. However, homeowners often erroneously remove hydrangeas due to the adverse effects of winter cold or harsh spring freezes, which can result in issues such as flower failure or anemic coloration.

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.

Where is the best place for hydrangeas to grow?

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.

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 to winterize hydrangeas in Michigan in winter?

Hydrangeas thrive in moist soils and require hydration during cold and dry winter months. To retain moisture and warmth, add a thick layer of hardwood mulch up to 12 inches at the base of the hydrangea. Avoid adding fertilizer as it may delaying or reducing blooms in the spring. If proper winterization has been followed, hydrangeas should be fine left uncovered, but some blooming on old wood may need extra protection on extremely frigid nights (0 degrees Fahrenheit or below). Proper winterization and proper winterization steps are essential for hydrangeas’ health and growth.

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 direction do hydrangeas grow best?

It is recommended that hydrangeas be planted in a location that is sheltered from the sun during the day and receives shade in the afternoon. This should be on the north or south side of the home, and it is advisable to avoid planting directly underneath trees, as this can result in competition for water and nutrients.