How to Grow Different Types Of Hydrangeas - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Different types of hydrangeas is a beautiful, flowering plant that is perfect for any garden. There are many different types of hydrangeas, and each one has its own unique appearance. The most common type of hydrangea is the mophead, which has large, round blooms that resemble a mop head. Other popular types include the lacecap, which has smaller blooms surrounding a larger central bloom, and the oakleaf, which has leaves that resemble those of an oak tree. Hydrangeas are relatively easy to care for, and they make a wonderful addition to any garden.

How to Grow Different Types Of Hydrangeas - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Seven barks
  • Climbing hydrangea
  • Oakleaf hydrangea
  • Bigleaf hydrangea
  • Snowball hydrangea

Things to Know

  • The most common type of hydrangea is the mophead or bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla).
  • Mophead hydrangeas are native to Japan and southeast China.
  • The mophead hydrangea is the most popular type of hydrangea grown in gardens.
  • Mophead hydrangeas are available in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, blue, and purple.
  • The flower heads of mophead hydrangeas are large and showy, and the plants can grow to be quite large, up to 3-4 feet tall and wide.
  • Another popular type of hydrangea is the panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata).
  • Panicle hydrangeas are native to eastern Asia, and are also popular garden plants.
  • Panicle hydrangeas generally have white flowers, although some varieties have pink or purple flowers.
  • Panicle hydrangeas are generally smaller than mophead hydrangeas, growing to be 2-3 feet tall and wide.
  • Finally, another type of hydrangea worth mentioning is the oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia).

Related plant:
Different Types Of Bushes

Planting Process

  1. For different types of hydrangeas, first step is to find a source of good quality hydrangea plants. Be sure to select a variety that is appropriate for your growing conditions.
  2. Prepare the planting site by removing all weeds and grasses, and loosening the soil.
  3. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the hydrangea's root ball.
  4. Place the plant in the hole, and backfill with soil.
  5. Water the plant deeply, and mulch around the base to help retain moisture.
  6. For best results, provide regular watering during the growing season, especially during periods of drought.
  7. Fertilize the plants annually with a balanced fertilizer.
  8. To encourage blooming, prune the plants in late winter or early spring.
  9. Protect the plants from winter cold by covering them with a layer of mulch.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful hydrangeas!

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, hydrangeas like a well-drained, moisture-retentive soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. They will not tolerate waterlogged soils. For planting, prepare a planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. If the soil is very dry, soak the root-ball in water for about an hour before planting. Position the plant so that the top of the root-ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil, firming gently as you go. Water well to settle the soil around the roots.

About light

Not too different with other plants, hydrangeas need sunlight to grow. However, too much sun can damage the plant and cause the flowers to fade. The best location for a hydrangea is in an area that gets partial sun, such as a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is required for different types of hydrangeas to flourish may surprise you. For some hydrangeas, cool temperatures are essential for vibrant blooms, while others require warm temperatures. Here is a breakdown of the different temperature needs for some of the most popular types of hydrangeas: -Mophead hydrangeas: These hydrangeas require cool temperatures during their blooming period in order to produce vibrant flowers. If the temperature during their blooming period is too warm, the flowers will be less vibrant and may even fade to brown. -Panicle hydrangeas: These hydrangeas require warm temperatures during their blooming period in order to produce beautiful flowers. If the temperature during their blooming period is too cool, the flowers will be less vibrant and may even fade to brown. - Oakleaf hydrangeas: These hydrangeas can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, both cool and warm. However, they prefer cool temperatures during their blooming period in order to produce the most vibrant flowers. As you can see, different types of hydrangeas have different temperature requirements in order to thrive. Make sure to research the specific needs of the type of hydrangea you have before planting to ensure that it will have the ideal conditions to flourish.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% If the humidity is too low, the flowers will wilt and the leaves will become dry and brown. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will turn yellow and drop off.

The Fertilizer

About fertilizer, this family of plant is not too picky. Something like a 10-10-10 fertilizer will work just fine. Apply it around the base of the plant once a month during the growing season. Keep in mind that too much fertilizer will result in lots of foliage but few flowers. As for the roots, they prefer moist but well-drained soil.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important aspect of caring for hydrangeas. The type of pruning you do will depend on the type of hydrangea you have. For bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangeas, you'll want to do a light pruning in late winter or early spring. For paniculata and arborescens hydrangeas, you'll want to do a more heavy pruning in late winter or early spring.

About Propagating

Propagation is often done through rooting stem cuttings taken from the desired plant. This is a simple process that can be done at home with some basic supplies. Fill a planting container with a moistened peat moss and perlite mixture. Cut a 6-8 inch stem from the plant, making sure to choose a healthy stem that has not flowered yet. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. Dip the bottom of the stem in rooting hormone and then plant it in the moistened mixture. Place the container in a warm spot out of direct sunlight and keep the mixture moist. Roots should form within 4-6 weeks. Once the roots are established, the plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or into the ground.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate are very slow. The big leaf hydrangea can take up to five years to reach its full potential size. The panicle hydrangea is a little faster, typically reaching its full size in three years.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are rust, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. These problems can be controlled with fungicide applications. Other problems include aphids, mites, and scale. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil applications.

Tips on Growing

  • If you want to grow hydrangeas, it's important to choose a location that has well-drained soil and gets partial sun to full Shade.
  • It's also important to know that there are different types of hydrangeas, so make sure you select the right plant for your growing conditions.
  • When planting hydrangeas, be sure to dig a hole that is twice the width of the plant's root ball and just as deep.
  • Once planted, water your hydrangea deeply and regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
  • To encourage blooming, be sure to fertilize your plants regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
  • If you live in an area with harsh winters, you'll need to provide some protection for your plants. Mulch around the base of the plant and consider covering it with a burlap cloth or light tarp.
  • To encourage more blooms

Alternative Plants

  • Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
  • Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)
  • Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
  • Panicled Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)
  • Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
  • Wild Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens var. naturalistica)
  • Peegee Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Grandiflora')
  • Mountain Hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata)
  • Japanese Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla var. hortensia)
  • French Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mme. Emile Mouillere')

Source:
Hydrangeas in the Garden - North Carolina State University
Hydrangea - University of Connecticut
Take a Look at Hydrangeas - Penn State Extension

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