Where In Washington State Are Hydrangeas Planted?

Hydrangeas are a popular and beautiful plant in the Pacific Northwest region, with several varieties including Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla). The growing season is underway due to the gradual increase in daylight hours, which trigger plant growth and photosynthesis. As daylight extends, hydrangeas in Washington receive more energy to fuel their growth.

The ideal time to plant hydrangeas in Washington is between mid-summer and autumn, as they cannot survive frost or cold weather under 50 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure optimal growth, it is essential to choose the right planting time, sunlight requirements, soil type, watering frequency, pests and diseases that affect hydrangeas in Washington, and pruning techniques for optimal growth.

Hydrangeas come in various flower forms, from large ball-shaped blossoms to delicate, starry lacecap forms and graceful arching conical flowers. They are native to Japan, Asia, and other regions. However, the luscious blue or big leaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) that grow to perfection on the coast struggle in the Inland Northwest for several reasons.

In Western Washington, hydrangeas grow well in sun to part shade, but full sun in a hot climate would be too much. They also prefer adequate moisture, especially in the summer. Most hydrangeas prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, but they can take full sun but risk leaf burn when there are occasional hot days in spring.

All hydrangeas prefer humus-rich, well-drained soil, and they appreciate deep watering, especially in the summer. The best exposure is east-facing in morning sun with dappled, late day sun or afternoon shade. Hydrangeas can grow in total shade, but often grow in total shade.

Planting hydrangeas in the spring after spring frosts but before the hottest summer months has set in, with the active growth period being March through September.

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 is the best soil for hydrangeas in the ground?

Before planting bigleaf hydrangeas, it is crucial to understand the soil type and the soil preferences of your plants. Loam soil, a well-balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, is the best for hydrangeas due to its good water retention and excellent drainage. Soil testing is essential for identifying the type of soil and nutrient deficiencies, allowing you to select the right plants for your garden and make necessary amendments.

There are several types of soil, including clay, sand, silt, and loam, each with different properties that affect plant growth. Sandy soil drains quickly, leading to dry soil and reduced plant growth. Clay soil, on the other hand, retains water well but can cause standing water, which many plants don’t thrive in.

Soil testing is important for determining the type of soil and determining the nutrients it may lack, which is crucial for the success of your hydrangeas.

Can you plant hydrangeas next to house?

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.

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 side of the house is best for hydrangeas?

Planting a hydrangea in a sheltered location with ample sunlight in the morning is ideal. Choose a north or south side of your home, but avoid placing them directly under trees as they may compete for water and nutrients. Avoid windswept areas as they can damage leaves and flowers. Hydrangeas thrive in soil rich in organic matter, good drainage, and not too heavy. Ensure the soil is not soggy by monitoring it after a rain or watering. If heavy, add compost.

Soil amendments like Jobe’s Organics Soil Acidifier, Jobe’s Organics Garden Lime Granular, and fertilizer spikes can balance nutrients and acidity in your garden. Test the pH of your soil before adding any substances.

Do hydrangeas do well in Washington state?

Hydrogenated plants, renowned for their expansive blooms and robust foliage, are a prevalent selection for straightforward cultivation in Southwest Washington.

When to plant a hydrangea in Seattle?

Hydrangeas thrive in shady areas, but some varieties can tolerate more sun. To maintain their blooms and leaves, they need frequent watering. Plant in spring after frosts but before the hottest summer months. The active growth period is March through September. Large specimens can be transplanted, but it’s best to move them in spring or fall. Soil should be well-draining, rich with organic matter, bark, and alternatives to peat moss. Avoid animal manure, which is too high in nitrogen.

Test drainage before planting and adjust if necessary. Hydrangeas like lots of water, but overwatering can cause brown leaf edges and leaf drop. Overwatering can cause droopy leaves that perk up within a half hour of watering. Drip irrigation is usually successful.

How to care for hydrangeas in Seattle?

Hydrangeas thrive in shady areas, but some varieties can tolerate more sun. To maintain their blooms and leaves, they need frequent watering. Plant in spring after frosts but before the hottest summer months. The active growth period is March through September. Large specimens can be transplanted, but it’s best to move them in spring or fall. Soil should be well-draining, rich with organic matter, bark, and alternatives to peat moss. Avoid animal manure, which is too high in nitrogen.

Test drainage before planting and adjust if necessary. Hydrangeas like lots of water, but overwatering can cause brown leaf edges and leaf drop. Overwatering can cause droopy leaves that perk up within a half hour of watering. Drip irrigation is usually successful.

When to cut back hydrangeas in Washington state?

The U. S. National Arboretum recommends regular pruning of established bigleaf, panicle, oakleaf, and smooth hydrangea plants to create a fuller, healthier plant. This pruning is easiest to do in winter, as the absence of leaves makes it easier to see and reach inside the plant. Gardeners may also want to control height or remove old flower heads. The best time for this pruning varies between species, with bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangea pruning shortly after flowering is complete, and panicle and smooth hydrangea pruning anytime from late summer until early spring.

If pruning these two species in the spring, try to prune before leaves appear. H. arborescens ‘Annabelle’ plants can produce a second flush of flowers if pruned lightly after the first flowering. Stems of bigleaf hydrangea damaged by cold should be pruned as soon as they are determined dead. Watch for new growth at the base of the plant and remove bare stems if the plant has 6 to 8 inch basal shoots but bare upper parts of the stems. For bigleaf hydrangea plants subject to frequent weather-related dieback, no other pruning is needed.

How to grow hydrangeas in WA?

To prevent hydrangeas from wilting, grow them in dappled sun or shaded areas with gentle morning sun. Regularly water the soil and apply organic mulch over the root zone. Protect the leaves with Yates Waterwise Droughtshield to reduce moisture loss. Hydrangeas thrive in cool to warm temperate climates, but some varieties may tolerate warmer locations. Check the plant tag for specific climate preferences. Cut off spent flowers in late summer and cut stems that have flowered just above a node, where new foliage will develop in spring.

Where to plant hydrangeas in the Pacific Northwest?

All varieties of hydrangea require soil that is rich in humus and well-drained, and they are not drought-tolerant. These plants require deep watering, particularly during the summer months, while the bigleaf, climbing, and aperitif varieties prefer partial shade due to their inability to maintain adequate hydration levels during periods of high temperatures.