How to Grow Cone Shaped Hydrangea - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Cone shaped hydrangea is a plant that is native to Japan. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be about six feet tall. The leaves are opposite, and the flowers are white and grow in clusters. The plant blooms from June to July.

How to Grow Cone Shaped Hydrangea - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Mop head hydrangea
  • Bigleaf hydrangea
  • French hydrangea
  • Lacecap hydrangea
  • Oakleaf hydrangea

Good to Know

  • Cone shaped hydrangeas are native to Japan and Korea.
  • They are also known as "Japanese hydrangeas" or "Japanese snowball hydrangeas".
  • Cone shaped hydrangeas grow in clusters of 6-8 blooms.
  • Each bloom is approximately 3-4 inches in diameter.
  • The blooms are white or cream in color and have a very faint greenish tint.
  • Cone shaped hydrangeas are very popular as cut flowers.
  • They are often used in wedding bouquets and other floral arrangements.
  • Cone shaped hydrangeas require full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils.
  • They are relatively low maintenance and are not susceptible to many pests or diseases.
  • Cone shaped hydrangeas typically bloom from mid to late summer.

How to Grow

  1. For cone shaped hydrangea, first step is to scarify the seed. You can do this by gently sanding the seed with fine sandpaper. This will improve germination.
  2. Soak the seed in warm water for 24 hours before planting.
  3. Fill a planting pot with well-draining potting mix.
  4. Sow the seed on the surface of the potting mix and lightly press it down.
  5. Water the seed lightly and keep the potting mix moist.
  6. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot.
  7. The seed will germinate in 14-21 days.
  8. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots.
  9. Water the plants regularly and fertilize them monthly.
  10. Cone shaped hydrangea will bloom in the second year.

Related plant:
Cone Hydrangea

The Soil

About soil condition, the best way to grow cone shaped hydrangea is find well-drained soil. In case you have heavy clay soil, consider planting on a slope or mound. If your soil is too sandy, consider adding compost to help hold moisture.

Light requirement

Not too different with other hydrangeas, cone-shaped hydrangeas require full sun to partial shade. They need at least 4 hours of direct sun each day in order to bloom well. The more sun they get, the more flowers they will produce.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for cone shaped hydrangeas is cool to cold weather. They can tolerate some heat, but not all types of heat. They need a lot of water, so they should be watered frequently.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and crisp. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop off.

The Fertilizer

About fertilizer, this family of plant prefers a root zone that is acidic. You'll know if your plant is struggling if the leaves begin to yellow and the flowers are smaller than they should be. If you see these signs, it's time to give your plant a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants.

Plant Pruning

Pruning a cone shaped hydrangea is a bit different than pruning other types of hydrangeas. First, you'll want to remove any dead or dying branches. Next, trim back any overgrown branches. Finally, cut back the remaining branches to the desired length.

About Propagating

Propagation is typically done via stem cuttings taken from the plant in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and have 2-3 leaves. Remove the bottom leaves and then dip the cuttings in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-drained potting mix and water regularly. Within 4-8 weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and can be transplanted to their permanent location.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is between six and twelve inches per year. Some plants may grow a bit faster or slower depending on the variety. Once they reach their full size, they will bloom profusely with large, showy flowers.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are problems with the leaves and the buds. The leaves can get brown and dry, and the buds can get black and fall off. If you see these problems, you should cut back the plant to encourage new growth.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water your plant regularly. The plant should be kept moist, but not soggy.
  • Place your plant in an area with bright, indirect sunlight.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Fertilize your plant every month during the growing season.
  • Protect your plant from strong winds and harsh weather conditions.
  • Provide adequate drainage for your plant.
  • Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
  • Avoid over-watering your plant.
  • Check for pests and diseases regularly and take appropriate measures to control them.
  • Give your plant some TLC and it will surely reward you with beautiful cone shaped blooms!

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Source:
Hydrangeas in the Garden - North Carolina State University
Hydrangeas – Hallmarks of the Southern Garden | NC State …
HYDRANGEA - HYDRANGEA SPP. | The UFOR Nursery & Lab

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