Which Hydrangeas Are Native To Utah?

Utah offers a variety of hydrangea species, including the easy-to-grow Akleaf Hydrangea, Endless Summer Hydrangea, PeeGee Hydrangea, and Annabelle Hydrangea. These species can thrive in Utah’s cold climate, with the most common being Hydrangea paniculata, which is the most cold-hardy member of the hydrangea genus. It can grow in zones 4 to 7, and is known for its large heads of pink or blue flowers in summer and autumn.

Oak leaf hydrangeas, such as “Limelight”, “Fire Light”, and “Tardiva”, are excellent selections for Utah gardeners. The Oak Leaf Hydrangea is well-adapted to Utah’s climate, while “Nikko Blue” is rated for Zone 5 but requires winter protection and acidic soil with a pH of 5.

To keep hydrangeas healthy, native Utah soils need amendments, and shrubs planted in light or sandy soil need to be fertilized in spring or late winter. Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’, also known as Peegee Hydrangea, is hardy to about Zone 4. To ensure the success of these hydrangeas in Utah, it is essential to provide them with the necessary care and support.

When to plant a hydrangea in Utah?

Hydrangeas are best planted in spring or fall, with summer plantings requiring extra water for a healthy root system. Avoid open areas with heavy winds and choose spots with full sun and shade. Space shrubs at least three feet apart and amend the soil with compost before planting. Hydrangeas need plenty of water for the first year or two after planting and during drought conditions. Avoid letting the soil get too dry to prevent wilting of leaves.

What is the most drought tolerant hydrangea?

The Smooth hydrangea, native to the eastern United States, is a heat-tolerant plant with dense growth and attractive grayish green leaves. It can reach heights and widths of about 10 feet and is accustomed to warmer climates. The Bigleaf hydrangea, with its shiny, toothed leaves and symmetrical shape, is another heat-tolerant plant with a mature height of 4 to 8 feet. It is divided into two flower types – lacecap and mophead – and is among the most heat-tolerant hydrangeas.

The Panicle hydrangea, another heat-tolerant plant, needs five to six hours of sunlight and can grow up to 20 feet. It is hardy and heat-tolerant, reaching heights of about 6 feet and turning reddish bronze in autumn. Oakleaf hydrangeas are drought-tolerant but still need moisture during hot, dry weather. To learn more about these hydrangea plants, sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter and receive a free download of the DIY eBook “Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter”.

What are the best heat tolerant hydrangeas?

The panicle hydrangea, native to the southeast U. S., is the most adaptable hydrangea species, able to tolerate summer heat better than other species. In June 2021, the Pacific Northwest experienced a record-breaking heat wave, causing hydrangea leaves to turn brown and blooms to develop brittle, tan edges. Heat and drought are becoming more common in the area, causing plants to become stressed and damaged. Hydrangeas are susceptible to heat stress because they love water, making them particularly tough to cool themselves.

They cannot move or move during hot temperatures, making them difficult to survive. To prevent damage in the next heat wave, there are tips and tricks to help your plants pull through and prevent further damage.

What are the best hydrangeas for Salt Lake City?

The smooth hydrangea, panicle hydrangea, and oakleaf hydrangea are all suitable for Utah’s hot weather due to their resilience. These adaptable species, which can grow from a few feet in height to over six feet, offer a range of colors, from white to pink. These plants typically bloom in July and continue to contribute color to the landscape throughout the season, even in the most extreme temperatures.

What kind of hydrangeas can grow in full sun?

Hydrangea plants, such as panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata), can thrive in full sun, especially in warmer zones. The new reblooming dwarf series Let’s Dance® and dwarf big leaf series Cityline® grow best in full or part sun. Smooth hydrangea varieties Incrediball® and Invincibelle® Ruby are also recommended for full or part sun. To prevent leaf scorch, provide extra water during stressful times, irrigate in the morning and evening when temperatures are at their highest, and water at the base of the plant.

Oakleaf hydrangeas, such as Alice Oakleaf and Ruby Slippers Oakleaf, can tolerate full sun in the northern US but prefer at least some afternoon shade in warm and southern climates. These plants are the most adaptable to different sun and shade conditions, making them suitable for both full sun and shade.

What hydrangeas are best for hot sun?

Panicle hydrangeas are the most sun-tolerant of the five most common hydrangeas, making them the best choice for full sun care. To ensure optimal water retention, use a layer of mulch and a water meter to check soil moisture before watering. Hydrangeas thrive in moist soil with oxygen, but not in complete water deficiency. A common misconception is that they need to be drowning in water to thrive. To learn when to water, watch a water meters video.

If full sun gardening isn’t feasible, still enjoy a bold floral display with large-bloomed beauties. If your dreams of growing hydrangeas in a full sun garden spot are crushed, consider incorporating a few of these large-bloomed beauties for a bold floral display.

What is the best hydrangea for cold climates?

For those living in zones 3 or 4, or even 5, cold-hardy hydrangeas like Hydrangea arborescens (smooth hydrangea) and Hydrangea paniculata (panicle hydrangea) are ideal. Both species are hybridized and their collections grow each year. Hydrangea arborescens varieties, also known as smooth hydrangeas, bloom from early summer to fall, with plant sizes ranging from 3-5 feet and white flowers. These plants are popular and have hybridized varieties that thrive in colder weather.

What are the best hydrangeas for Utah?

Panicle hydrangeas are a popular choice for Utah, as they can tolerate more sun than other species but still need a break during the hottest part of the day. They come in various sizes and have large cone-shaped flowers that transition from green to white and then shades of pink in the summer. They come in various varieties such as Limelight, Little Lime, Quick Fire, Fire Light, Berry White, Pinky Winky, Vanilla Strawberry, Strawberry Sundae, Bobo, Little Hottie, Puffer Fish, Phantom, Angel’s Blush, Candy Apple, and Strawberry Shake. They bloom on new wood and should be pruned back in late winter or early spring to achieve taller plants.

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 a hardy hydrangea?

Hydrangea paniculata is a hardy plant that forms buds in early summer just before mid-summer blooms. Its flowers, which appear in July or August, make great cut flowers or can be easily dried for arrangements. Growing this plant is easy, as it can be planted in full sun and adaptable to a wide range of soils. It has no serious pests and can be cut back hard in early spring for extra large flowers.

Limelight Hydrangea is the best-looking plant in the author’s garden. Initially seen in the Netherlands, the plant was initially described as cool with soft green flowers but turned out to be a unique and beautiful plant. Gardeners from Orlando to Manitoba have expressed their admiration for this plant, with a landscaper from Chicago using it in every design he creates.

Limelight thrives in various conditions, including sun, shade, sand, or clay soils, and is a winner in both North and South regions. The plant is a unique and beautiful addition to any garden, making it a valuable addition to any landscape.

Where do hydrangeas grow best in the US?

Oakleaf hydrangeas are most commonly found in warmer zones, particularly Zone 5 or above, and are therefore an ideal choice for those residing in such areas. Bigleaf hydrangeas, on the other hand, are the most prevalent species, typically growing in Zones 5 through 9.