Maintenance Landscaping Design

Hardy hydrangea is a species of flowering plant in the hydrangea family native to southern and eastern Asia. The hardy hydrangea is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to 3–6 m (10–20 ft) tall and wide with large, showy flower heads. The flowers are typically white, but can be pink, purple, or blue.

Also called

• hydrangea arborescens
  
• tree hydrangea
  
• peegee hydrangea
  
• grandiflora hydrangea
  
• florist's hydrangea

Things to Know

• Hardy hydrangea is a deciduous shrub that is native to China and Japan.
  
• It is a member of the hydrangea family and is related to the hortensia and quince.
  
• Hardy hydrangea is also known as smooth hydrangea or seven-barks.
  
• The shrub has large, showy flowers that are white, pink, or blue in color.
  
• Hardy hydrangea is a popular ornamental plant and is often used in landscaping.
  
• The shrub is easy to care for and is tolerant of both full sun and partial shade.
  
• Hardy hydrangea requires little pruning and is generally disease- and pest-free.
  
• The shrub blooms in late summer and early fall.
  
• Hardy hydrangea is best propagated from cuttings.
  
• The scientific name for hardy hydrangea is Hydrangea macrophylla.

Related plant:
Hardy Gardenia

How to Grow

1. For hardy hydrangea, first step is to choose a location. It is best to choose a location with afternoon shade and well-drained soil. If the location is too sunny, the leaves may scorch and the flowers may fade.
   
2. The second step is to prepare the planting hole. The hole should be twice the width and depth of the pot the hardy hydrangea is being transplanted from.
   
3. The third step is to backfill the hole with a mixture of half native soil and half compost.
   
4. The fourth step is to water the plant thoroughly after planting.
   
5. The fifth step is to mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
   
6. The sixth step is to fertilize the hardy hydrangea in early spring with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-
   
7. The seventh step is to prune the plant in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
   
8. The eighth step is to deadhead the plant regularly to encourage more flowers.
   
9. The ninth step is to water the plant during dry periods.
   
10. The tenth step is to enjoy the beautiful blooms of the hardy hydrangea!

Related plant:
Hardy Flowering Shrubs

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the hardy hydrangea can grow in both acidic and alkaline soils, as well as in clay, loam, and sand. It tolerates a wide range of conditions, except for waterlogged soils. This shrub also prefers full sun to partial shade and is drought-tolerant once established.

About light

So, like the other hydrangeas, the hardy hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is a shrub that blooms in late spring to early summer. The big difference is that this hydrangea is much more cold tolerant, able to withstand temperatures down to -20°F. Another key difference is the amount of sun required. Hardy hydrangeas need at least 4 hours of sun daily, but prefer 6 hours for the best flower production.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for the growth of hardy hydrangeas is a range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the plant can also tolerate a range of 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Hardy hydrangeas require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day and prefer a soil that is moist and well-drained.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. Hardy hydrangeas can tolerate lower humidity but not for long periods of time. If the humidity drops below 40% for more than a few days, the leaves will start to show signs of stress.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, this kind of plant need, is one that is high in potassium and low in phosphorus. potassium helps the plant to produce more flowers, and phosphorus helps the plant to produce moreroots.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of caring for your hardy hydrangea. This shrub can be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. You can cut back the stems by one-third to one-half their length. This will encourage new growth and help to keep the plant compact and full.

About Propagating

Propagation is best done in late spring or early summer by taking 6-8 inch softwood cuttings from new growth. Dip the cut end of each cutting in rooting hormone and plant in a moistened soilless mix. Keep the cuttings moist and at a temperature of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit until roots have developed and new growth appears. Once roots have developed, transplant to individual pots and grow on until large enough to plant out in the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively slow to moderate. However, 'Annabelle' and 'Incrediball' are two cultivars that are known for their quick growth rates. 'Annabelle' can grow up to 3 feet per year, while 'Incrediball' can grow up to 4 feet per year.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are leaf spots, mildews, and root rot. These problems are caused by different fungi and bacteria that can live in the soil and on the plant. Leaf spots can be treated with fungicides, but mildews and root rot often need to be controlled with preventative measures, such as watering and fertilizing the plant correctly.

List to Know

• Do not forget to water your plant regularly. Hardy hydrangeas are drought tolerant, but they still need to be watered during prolonged periods of dry weather.
  
• Fertilize your plant every spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
  
• Prune your plant annually to encourage new growth and to shape it.
  
• Place your plant in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  
• Hardy hydrangeas are tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, but they prefer well-drained soil.
  
• Be on the lookout for pests and diseases. Treat them immediately if you notice any problems.
  
• Deadhead your plant regularly to promote more blooms.
  
• Hardy hydrangeas are generally low-maintenance plants, but they may need occasional light pruning to keep them looking their best.
  
• These plants are relatively resistant to deer and other herbivores.
  

Related Plants

• Hydrangea arborescens
  
• Hydrangea paniculata
  
• Hydrangea quercifolia
  
• Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'
  
• Hydrangea serrata
  
• Hydrangea macrophylla
  
• Hydrangea aspera
  
• Hydrangea radiata
  
• Hydrangea villosa
  
• Hydrangea involucrata

Source:
HYDRANGEA - HYDRANGEA SPP. | The UFOR Nursery & Lab
Growing Hydrangeas - Center for Agriculture, Food, and the …
Hydrangea | Home & Garden Information Center - Clemson …