Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) (2024)

FAQs

How big will a Hydrangea macrophylla get? ›

Hydrangea macrophylla is a species of flowering plant in the family Hydrangeaceae, native to Japan. It is a deciduous shrub growing to 2 m (7 ft) tall by 2.5 m (8 ft) broad with large heads of pink or blue flowers in summer and autumn.

Sun to part shade lovers, Bigleaf Hydrangeas are best grown in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. They tolerate full sun only if they are grown in consistently moist soils.

Hydrangea paniculata is one of the hardiest species; it thrives in Zones 4-8.

Pruning in the spring would remove the flower buds, leaving us with a bloomless plant for the year. Instead, big-leaf hydrangeas are pruned in summer, after they finish blooming. To prune, remove up to one-third of the stems each season. Start by removing the weakest shoots, both old and new ones, cutting at the base.

macrophylla), whose large leaves are prone to wilting. Some varieties are more tolerant of full sun. Space hydrangeas anywhere from 3 to 10 feet apart, depending on type. Always space plants based on their expected size at maturity!

This shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year.

Many people plant hydrangeas in beds next to their homes or fences. This is because hydrangeas love the warm morning sun, but they dislike the heat of the afternoon. The best place to plant hydrangeas is in a sheltered location with sunny mornings and shady afternoons.

Oakleaf hydrangeas are the best choice for shady conditions. They earn the name from their dramatic oak-shaped leaves! It's easy to enjoy oakleaf hydrangeas in all four seasons with fuzzy spring buds, giant flowers in summer, vibrant fall foliage, and peeling winter bark.

If watered properly, Endless Summer® Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) will bloom on both old and new wood throughout the summer.

What is the easiest hydrangea to care for? ›

Oakleaf varieties are the easiest type of hydrangeas for beginners to grow. Why are oakleaf hydrangeas so easy? They aren't picky! Oakleaf hydrangeas can tolerate colder weather, handle more sun, withstand drought, are more disease/pest resistant and grow in sandy soil better than other hydrangeas.

The “beginner” hydrangea, or one that requires the lowest maintenance, are the oakleaf varieties. Not only do they tolerate colder weather and can withstand drought, but they are also more resistant to diseases and pests. These hydrangeas can even grow in sandy soil, and they love the sun!

What happens if you don't prune hydrangeas? If you don't prune hydrangeas then they can eventually resemble a tangled mass of woody stems, and the flowers will become smaller and less showy. If your hydrangeas are not blooming, lack of pruning is often a reason.

Removing the spent blooms triggers flowering shrubs to stop producing seeds and instead put their energy toward root and foliage development. This makes plants stronger and healthier, so by deadheading, you'll be doing your hydrangeas a favor.

The simplest method is to mound shredded leaves or bark mulch around the base of the plant to about 12 inches or so. Put the mulch mound in place in late fall after the ground freezes, and uncover plants in spring when temperatures begin to stay above freezing.

Answer. Most of the varieties in Endless Summer will reach 3-4′ wide at maturity. I would give them at last two feet away from the foundation. Or even a little more if you don't want them touching the house.

Plant climbing species at the foot of a wall or fence, at least 60cm out so that rainwater can reach the roots. They may need to be guided against the wall or fence initially but will soon produce aerial roots that cling.

Though they are fast growing shrubs, it can take 2-4 years for hydrangeas to reach their full size. Some are faster to mature than others. Growing hydrangeas is simple, and they can thrive in just about any climate.

Endless Summer hydrangea is a collection of several Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars that bloom all summer long. Like all hydrangeas, they do best in soil with plenty of organic matter so amending the soil before planting is important for plant health and blooming.

Grow Hydrangea macrophylla in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Shelter from cold, drying winds. To promote fresh, new, vigorous growth on established plants, cut back hard in early spring.

When should macrophylla hydrangeas be pruned? ›

macrophylla developed by Bailey Nurseries. These plants produce buds in late summer to early fall (August-September) that will form next year's flowers. So prune these shrubs after they finish blooming before August (again, make a heading cut).

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food

This is an all-purpose blossom booster that's suitable for use on a wide variety of perennial and annual blooming plants, including hydrangeas.

Hydrangeas love morning sun followed by afternoon shade. They do not require full sun, and you should avoid planting them in an area that if full sun. They will appreciate the afternoon break, and will produce better blooms if offered a little shade.

Most hydrangeas prefer only morning sun. Yet one type of hydrangea can soak up the sun all day: the panicle hydrangea. While they can stand the sun, these do just fine in partial shade, too. Plus, panicle hydrangeas are the hardiest hydrangeas.

The Original Endless Summer hydrangea was the first non-stop blooming hydrangea. Plus, it's easy to care for. You'll be wowed by its color-changing blooms all season. Blooms: Late-spring-early fall.

"If you want a longer stem, you can make a deeper cut as long as it is done before July or August when the plant begins forming buds for next year's flowers." For smooth hydrangeas, she suggests removing the faded flowers as soon as they fade to green to ensure a second flush of smaller flowers in the fall.

Endless Summer® Pop Star® Hydrangea is a breeding breakthrough in compact garden hydrangeas. It is a prolific rebloomer, genetically compact, easy to grow, and versatile to use in the outdoor space. Pop Star® is coming to retail in Spring 2023.

Incrediball hydrangea will make you say WOW - it's an improved version of the garden classic 'Annabelle' hydrangea, but with strong, sturdy stems that don't flop over and extra-large blooms to boot. White flowers begin to appear in mid-summer and open to enormous snowballs, nearly the size of basketballs!

Best Panicle Hydrangea: Fire Light

This plant grows about 8 feet tall in sun to part shade and has strong stems that won't flop over despite the weight of its football-size flower heads.

Old Wood Bloomers

Hydrangeas that bloom on old wood do not need pruning and are better off for it. If you leave them alone, they'll bloom more profusely the next season. But go ahead and gently thin or deadhead. Just remember new growth may come, but that new growth will be without blooms next season.

How long does it take for a hydrangea to grow to full size? ›

Though they are fast growing shrubs, it can take 2-4 years for hydrangeas to reach their full size. Some are faster to mature than others. Growing hydrangeas is simple, and they can thrive in just about any climate.

Bigleaf hydrangea prefers morning sun and dappled afternoon sun or part shade. Too much shade will reduce flowers, but too much afternoon sun will lead to plant stress. Inadequate moisture. Plants need well-drained soil with good moisture for best growth.

Hydrangea paniculata 'Grandiflora'

A newly planted bush may bloom the first year if it set flower buds while it was confined to a pot, and then not bloom again for a year or two as it settles into the soil in its new location. Instead it is busy growing new roots and branches, instead of flower buds.