Maintenance Landscaping Design

Hydrangea hedge is a beautiful and versatile hedge plant that can be used to create privacy, frame a garden, or add color and interest to your yard.

Also called

• Seven bark
  
• Bluebell bush
  
• Butterfly bush
  
• Snowball bush
  
• Witch hazel

Basic info

• Hydrangea hedges are fast-growing, so they can provide quick privacy or screening.
  
• They are deciduous, so they will lose their leaves in the fall and winter.
  
• They bloom in the summer, with large clusters of showy flowers.
  
• Hydrangeas are relatively low-maintenance, but they do need regular pruning to keep them looking their best.
  
• They are relatively drought-tolerant once established, but will appreciate some extra water during extended periods of dry weather.
  
• Hydrangeas can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, so regular monitoring and treatment may be necessary.
  
• They are not tolerant of salt, so they should not be planted near roads or other areas where de-icing chemicals are used.
  
• Hydrangeas can be propagated easily from cuttings, so it is relatively easy to create new plants.
  
• They are popular landscape plants, so they are widely available from nurseries and garden centers.
  
• There are many different cultivars of hydrangea, so there is a wide range of colors and flower shapes to choose from.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

Planting Process

1. For hydrangea hedge, first step is to purchase the plants. You can either buy them online or at a local gardening store.
   
2. Once you have the plants, the next step is to prepare the soil. Hydrangeas prefer well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 0 to
   
3. If you are growing hydrangeas in pots, make sure to use a potting mix specifically designed for plants.
   
4. Before planting, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
   
5. Place the plant in the hole and fill in with soil, tamping down gently as you go.
   
6. Water the plant well, using a watering can with a sprinkler attachment.
   
7. Once the plant is established, you can cut it back by one-third to encourage new growth.
   
8. Fertilize the plant twice a year, in spring and fall, using a balanced fertilizer.
   
9. To encourage blooming, prune the plant in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
   
10. Finally, enjoy your beautiful hydrangea hedge!

Related plant:
Variegated Hydrangea

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, a hydrangea hedge will do best in moist but well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. If you have heavy clay soil, consider amending it with compost or peat moss to improve drainage. The ideal soil pH for hydrangeas is between 5.5 and 6.5.

About light

Like the other hydrangeas, a hydrangea hedge benefits from at least six hours of sunlight per day. However, it can tolerate some shade, so it is a good option for an area that doesn't get full sun. If you live in a hot climate, it is best toplant your hedge in an area that gets some afternoon shade to protect it from the heat of the day.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is necessary for a hydrangea hedge is for the area to be cool. If the area is too warm, the hedge will not thrive. The ideal temperature for a hydrangea hedge is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60%, and it will struggle to survive in areas with high humidity. If you live in an area with high humidity, you can still grow this plant, but you will need to take extra care to ensure that the plant doesn't get too much moisture. One way to combat high humidity is to grow the plant in a pot with well-draining soil.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, this type of plant needs a lot of it. A good rule of thumb is to use one cup per plant. However, you may want to fertilize more often if the leaves of your hydrangea hedge are looking yellow. This is a sign that the plant is not getting enough nutrients. When applying fertilizer, be sure to also water the plants so that the roots can absorb the nutrients.

Plant Pruning

Pruning a Hydrangea Hedge To keep your hydrangea hedge looking its best, you'll need to prune it regularly. The best time to prune your hedge is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. When you prune, be sure to cut back the stems to just above where new growth is emerging. This will encourage the plant to produce more stems, resulting in a fuller, denser hedge. If you have never pruned a hedge before, it may seem daunting. But with a little practice, you'll get the hang of it in no time.

About Propagating

Propagation is best done in late summer or early fall. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is about 6-8 inches long. The cuttings should have at least 2 sets of leaves. Make the cuts just below a leaf node.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 12 inches per year. However, under the right conditions, some species of hydrangea can grow up to 24 inches in a single season. When planting a hedge, it is important to take into account the mature size of the plant and the growth rate. You don't want your hedge to outgrow its space too quickly.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are over watering, under watering, and not enough light. If you think you are watering your hydrangea hedge too much, check the soil to see if it is dry an inch below the surface. If the soil is dry, then you are most likely not watering your hedge enough. Your hedge will also need at least six hours of sunlight a day, so make sure to place it in a sunny spot.

Growing Tips

• Make sure to plant your hydrangea in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.
  
• Water regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
  
• Fertilize your plants every few months to ensure healthy growth.
  
• Prune your hedge regularly to maintain its shape and size.
  
• Watch out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if necessary.
  
• Mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
  
• Plant your hedge in rows or groups for the best visual impact.
  
• Choose a variety of hydrangea that will best suit your garden space and needs.
  
• Consider planting dwarf varieties if you have limited space.
  
• Have patience – it may take a few years for your hedge to reach its full potential!

Similar Plants

• Goldleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
  
• Mountain hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata)
  
• Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
  
• Lacecap hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla var. normalis)
  
• Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)
  
• Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)
  
• Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
  
• Japanese hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
  
• Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
  
• Wild hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)

Source:
Hydrangea: Identify and Manage Problems - UMD
Hydrangea - North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Take a Look at Hydrangeas - Penn State Extension