Hydrangeas are a type of flowering shrub that is native to Asia and North and South America. They are known for their large, showy blooms that come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, blue, and purple. The blooms are made up of many small flowers that are arranged in a round cluster. Hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil and full to partial sun. They can be pruned back in the spring to keep them from getting too large. Hydrangeas are popular garden plants and are often used in floral arrangements.
Planning Your Garden With Hydrangeas
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Hydrangeas are perennial plants. |
| USDA Zone | Hydrangeas are generally hardy in USDA Zones 4-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Hydrangeas are not particularly cold tolerant and can be damaged by temperatures below 25. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest hydrangeas is usually around 60 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown hydrangea plant is between 3 and 6 feet tall and wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Hydrangeas prefer well-drained, fertile soil in a sunny or partially shaded area. When planting, space the plants 3 to 5 feet apart, depending on the variety. |
| Sun tolerance | The sun tolerance of hydrangeas can vary depending on the variety. Some varieties can tolerate full sun, while others require more shade. In general, it is best to provide hydrangeas with morning sun and afternoon shade. |
| Shade tolerance | Hydrangeas can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. They do best in partial to full shade and will bloom more profusely in areas that get some morning sun and afternoon shade. |
| Water requirements | Hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water your hydrangeas at least once a week during the growing season, and more often during periods of hot, dry weather. Water deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. It is best to water hydrangeas in the morning to allow the foliage to dry quickly and reduce the chances of fungal diseases. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing hydrangeas depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the type of hydrangea you are growing. Generally, a slow-release fertilizer should be applied at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet of garden area. For a liquid fertilizer, use 1/2 cup per 10 gallons of water. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing hydrangeas is between 5.5 and 6.5. |
Why Hydrangeas are Popular
People like to grow hydrangeas because they are easy to care for and produce beautiful, colorful flowers. They also add texture and color to a garden and can be used in a variety of ways. Additionally, they are drought tolerant, require minimal pruning, and attract pollinators.
Companion Plants For Hydrangeas
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for hydrangeas include:
Common Pests For Hydrangeas
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow hydrangeas, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- leafhoppers
- thrips
- aphids
- caterpillars
- whiteflies
- spider mites
- mealybugs
- scale insects
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
