Six Unsuitable Locations for Growing Hydrangeas
Bring the Charm of Hydrangeas to Your Space, the Right Way
Hydrangeas are a classic choice for any garden, offering vibrant blooms that can elevate any property. Whether your heart leans towards the iconic blue mopheads of French hydrangeas, the giant white blossoms on 'Annabelle,' or the cone-shaped flowers of panicle and oakleaf hydrangeas, these shrubs make a wonderful addition to your outdoor spaces. But, just like finding the perfect pair of shoes, placing hydrangeas wrong can lead to more headaches than happiness. Before you dig, avoid making these six common mistakes that could impact the health and beauty of your hydrangea shrubs.
1. Planting Too Close to Your House Foundation
Hydrangeas make a breathtaking foundation planting, but give them their space to grow. A distance of 2.5 to 3 feet is generally sufficient for most hydrangeas, with oakleaf and panicle hydrangeas requiring at least 4 feet from your home's foundation to account for their larger size and the potential quality of the soil around your foundation being sandy or rocky [1]. Also, ensure the plants are placed beyond the "rain shadow" created by gutters and other architectural features to minimize watering requirements.
2. Exposure to All-Day Sun
While hydrangeas can bloom their hearts out in full sun up north, their sun-loving ways might be their downfall in warmer climates (USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7 or warmer, that's all but the Upper South) [2]. These shrubs need some protection from the harsh afternoon sun.
Panicle hydrangeas are the exceptions to this rule as they're more tolerant of sunlight, requiring four to six hours of sunshine to bloom well. They still appreciate a bit of afternoon shade in hot regions [3].
3. Planting in Deep Shade
Hydrangeas require some sun to thrive, but they can't handle the darkness. Planting them in deep shade will slow growth and limit blooming [4]. Morning sun followed by dappled, filtered shade is ideal for most hydrangea types. Those with a greater shade tolerance, such as bigleaf (French) hydrangeas, smooth hydrangeas like 'Annabelle,' and climbing hydrangeas, prefer this shady location [5].
4. neglection of Proper Watering
Don't despair if you've got a long yard, because hydrangeas crave a steady supply of water and can't thrive in arid conditions. Plant them in areas that are easily accessible for regular watering, whether it's with a garden hose or drip irrigation [1].
5. Planting in Wet, Heavy Soil
Hydrangeas need soil that can retain moisture, but they don't like to have wet feet. Issues such as root rot and other fungal diseases may arise if they're planted in areas with poorly draining clay soil or a perpetually boggy spot [1][5].
6. Planting Under a Thirsty Tree
The root systems of large trees can be notoriously greedy when it comes to water and nutrients, potentially stunting the growth of your beloved hydrangeas. While a little shade is fine, avoid planting them directly under the thirsty canopy of a large, evergreen tree [1][2]. There's a happy medium between maximizing shade and providing the necessary resources for your hydrangeas.
By planting your hydrangeas thoughtfully, you'll ensure they thrive and bring you endless joy as their blooms captivate onlookers all summer long.
Sources[1] University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Master Gardener Program, "Growing hydrangeas in California" (accessed 5/21/2023) https://ucanr.edu/sites/MGABC/files/336279.pdf[2] North Carolina State University Extension, "Choosing the Right Hydrangea for Your Garden" (accessed 5/21/2023) https://templates.ces.ncsu.edu/vector/hilights/highlight.php?mid=3666&pagenumber=1[3] Morton Arboretum, "Hydrangeas" (accessed 5/21/2023) https://www.mortonarb.org/plants/tree-plant-finder/hydrangeas/[4] Missouri Botanical Garden, "Hydrangea" (accessed 5/21/2023) https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/garden-plants/search/hydrangea.aspx[5] University of Rhode Island, "Hydrangea: Eastern and Western Type" (accessed 5/21/2023) https://web.uri.edu/kyjewelweed/Hydrangeas/Eastern+and+Western+Type.html
- Discover a range of gardening and landscaping ideas from Southern Living, featuring various hydrangea types to enhance your garden design, including shrubs like blue mopheads, 'Annabelle', and panicle hydrangeas.
- When choosing a location for your hydrangeas, avoid planting them too close to your house foundation, as a distance of at least 2.5 to 3 feet is ideal for most hydrangeas, and oakleaf and panicle hydrangeas may require 4 feet or more.
- For optimal growth and blooming, hydrangeas should receive morning sun followed by dappled, filtered shade, as planting them in deep shade will slow their growth and limit blooming.
- Remember to care for your garden by ensuring your hydrangeas receive a steady supply of water, whether through a garden hose or drip irrigation, as they cannot thrive in arid conditions.
- To prevent issues such as root rot and other fungal diseases, avoid planting your hydrangeas in wet, heavy soil or areas with poor drainage, as this environment can cause their roots to remain waterlogged.
- When planting hydrangeas, be mindful of the location under large trees, as the root systems of these trees can be greedy for water and nutrients, potentially stunting the growth of your hydrangeas. Instead, find a happy medium between maximizing shade and providing the necessary resources for your hydrangeas to enjoy and flourish in your outdoor plants.
