In New York, When Should I Plant Hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas are not able to survive frost or cold weather under 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so planting them outside too early in the fall will result in their death. If you plant them too late, they won’t produce a bloom. To ensure healthy growth throughout the seasons, choose the right planting time for your hydrangeas in New York.

Lengthening days trigger the need for planting hydrangeas in New York, as they require ample time to establish strong roots before winter. The best planting month is when the shrub has six weeks of mild weather. Hydrangeas bloom one year after starting from seed or one year after planting in your yard. Zone 6 is the most expansive zone across the U.S., spanning from parts of New York to Oregon and even into parts of Alaska.

Planting hydrangeas in both spring and fall is best, as long as the weather is mild. In spring, this should be after frost season, and in fall, before. The best time to plant is early morning or late afternoon, as the cooler parts of the day offer protection against heat stress. Hydrangeas thrive with morning sun and afternoon shade, especially big leaf varieties, which can help prevent water loss.

The ideal planting location gives your hydrangea morning sun and dappled sunlight in the afternoon, so the east side of a home is often a good choice. The best time to transplant hydrangeas is in fall or early spring, as dormancy is approaching. Smooth leaf hydrangea produce flowers on the current season’s growth and respond well to both hard or light pruning.

Plan to plant in the spring after the last frost or in the fall before planting. In the fall, it is recommended to plant in September or October, as frost sets in and hydrangeas won’t have ample time to take up water.