How to Grow Green Hydrangeas - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Green hydrangeas is a shrub that bears large, showy flowers. The flowers are usually white, but can be pink, blue, or purple. The plant is native to Japan and Korea, but is now grown in many parts of the world. Hydrangeas are popular as ornamental plants, and many cultivars have been developed.

How to Grow Green Hydrangeas - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • French hydrangea
  • Endless summer hydrangea
  • Oakleaf hydrangea
  • Mountain hydrangea
  • Peegee hydrangea

Things to Know

  • Green hydrangeas are a type of flowering plant that is native to Asia.
  • They are part of the Hydrangea genus, which contains about 600 species.
  • Green hydrangeas are known for their large, round clusters of flowers.
  • The flowers of green hydrangeas can range in color from pale green to deep green.
  • Green hydrangeas typically bloom in the summer months.
  • These plants prefer partial sunlight and moist, well-drained soil.
  • Green hydrangeas are relatively easy to care for and are popular as ornamental plants.
  • Hydrangea leaves are sometimes used in traditional Chinese medicine.
  • The name “hydrangea” comes from the Greek words for “water” and “vessel”, referring to the plant’s tendency to hold water in its leaves.
  • Green hydrangeas are a popular choice for cut flowers.

Related plant:
Euonymus Japonicus Green Spire

Growing Steps

  1. For green hydrangeas, first step is to choose a well-drained location in your yard that receives partial to full sun.
  2. Then, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the hydrangea’s root ball.
  3. Next, backfill the hole with a mix of half topsoil and half compost.
  4. After that, place the plant in the hole and spread the roots out.
  5. Then, fill in around the plant with the soil mixture, tamping it down as you go.
  6. Once the plant is secure, water it deeply.
  7. For the next step, mulch around the base of the plant with a layer of straw or wood chips.
  8. In the spring and summer, water your hydrangea regularly, especially during periods of drought.
  9. In the fall, cut the plant back by one-third to encourage new growth.
  10. Lastly, apply a layer of compost around the base of the plant in the spring.

Related plant:
Yellow Evergreen Shrub

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, green hydrangeas need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for hydrangeas is between 5.5 and 6.5. If your soil is too alkaline, the flowers will be blue. If your soil is too acidic, the flowers will be pink.

Light condition

Just like other plants, hydrangeas need sunlight to create food for themselves. They will grow in partial sun, but won’t produce as many flowers. If you want lots of big, beautiful blooms, give your hydrangeas plenty of sun. Six hours of sun per day is ideal, but they will still do well with four.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that green hydrangeas need is cooler than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They also need humid conditions and well-drained soil. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves will wilt and the flowers will droop.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 50% to 80%. If the humidity drops below 50%, the leaves will start to turn brown and curl up. If the humidity goes above 80%, the leaves will start to drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer applied monthly. However, it's important not to over-fertilize, as this can cause the leaves to turn brown. When it comes to watering, green hydrangeas need plenty of water, especially during hot, dry weather. Be sure to check the soil regularly, as it should be moist but not soggy. If the soil is too dry, the plant may wilt.

Light requirement

Pruning green hydrangeas is important to encourage new growth and to keep the plant healthy. To prune, remove any dead or dying stems and leaves, as well as any that are overcrowded. Cut back the remaining stems by about one-third. Be sure to make clean, sharp cuts just above a leaf node.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from a existing one. There are many ways to propagate green hydrangeas, including taking cuttings, layering, and division. Taking cuttings is one of the most common and easy ways to propagate green hydrangeas. To take a cutting, simply use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut a 6-8 inch branch from the plant. Be sure to make the cut just below a node, which is where the leaves attach to the stem. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, and Dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a pot filled with moistened potting mix, and keep the soil moist. The cutting should roots within 4-6 weeks. Layering is another easy way to propagate green hydrangeas. Layering is simply when you allow a branch that is touching the ground to take root and create a new plant. To layer a green hydrangea, find a low-hanging branch and bend it down to the ground. Use a sharp knife to make a small cut on the underside of the branch, and then Cover the cut with moistened potting mix. Place a weight on top of the branch to keep it in place, and keep the soil moist. The branch should roots within 4-6 weeks. Division is a great way to propagate green hydrangeas if you already have an established plant. To divide a green hydrangea, simply dig up the entire plant and carefully pull it apart into smaller sections. Each section should have its own root system. Replant the sections in new pots filled with moistened potting mix, and keep the soil moist.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 6 to 12 inches per year. Some may grow a little faster or slower depending on the variety. The soil, fertilizer, sunlight, and water all play a role in how fast a hydrangea will grow.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turn brown and the flowers may fade. If the leaves turn brown, it is usually due to too much sun or too little water. If the flowers fade, it is usually due to too much sun or too much wind.

Basics of Growing

  • Make sure to plant your green hydrangeas in an area that gets full sun or partial shade.
  • It is important to water your green hydrangeas regularly. Make sure to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
  • It is best to fertilize your green hydrangeas once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
  • To encourage blooming, make sure to deadhead the spent flowers.
  • Prune your green hydrangeas in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and encourage new growth.
  • Be on the lookout for pests and diseases such as aphids, slugs, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. Treat accordingly if needed.
  • Make sure to mulch around your green hydrangeas to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
  • To create additional interest, consider planting other blooming plants nearby.

Alternative Plants

  • GREEN PHANTOM HYDRANGEAS
  • GREEN TEA HYDRANGEAS
  • GREEN GIANT HYDRANGEAS
  • GREEN MONDAY HYDRANGEAS
  • GREEN ENVY HYDRANGEAS
  • GREEN MISTRESS HYDRANGEAS
  • GREEN GIANT ARBORVITAE HYDRANGEAS
  • GREEN THUMB HYDRANGEAS
  • GREEN MACHINE HYDRANGEAS
  • GREEN GIANT HOSTAS HYDRANGEAS

Source:
Growing Hydrangeas - Center for Agriculture, Food, and the …
HYDRANGEA - HYDRANGEA SPP. | The UFOR Nursery & Lab
Hydrangea arborescens - North Carolina State University

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