How to Grow Hydrangea In A Pot - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Hydrangea in a pot is a beautiful plant that can add color and life to any home. They are easy to care for and make a great addition to any type of décor.

How to Grow Hydrangea In A Pot - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Climbing Hydrangea
  • Oakleaf Hydrangea
  • Mountain Hydrangea
  • Japanese Hydrangea
  • Panicled Hydrangea

Things to Know

  • Hydrangea in a pot require well-drained, moist soil.
  • They are best grown in partial sun to shade.
  • Be sure to water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
  • Fertilize monthly with a general-purpose fertilizer.
  • To encourage blooming, prune after flowering.
  • To create a fuller plant, pinch back new growth in the spring.
  • To prevent root rot, make sure the pot has drainage holes.
  • Overwintering indoors is possible with proper care.
  • Re-pot every two to three years, or as needed.
  • Watch for common pests and diseases, such as aphids, scale, and powdery mildew.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

How to Grow

  1. For hydrangea in a pot, first step is to choose a pot that is big enough for the roots of your plant. The pot should also have drainage holes to allow excess water to drain out.
  2. Fill the pot with a high-quality potting mix or all-purpose garden soil.
  3. Dig a hole in the center of the pot and plant the hydrangea.
  4. Water the plant thoroughly after planting.
  5. Place the pot in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
  6. Keep the soil moist by watering regularly.
  7. Fertilize the plant once a month using a balanced fertilizer.
  8. Prune the plant as needed to shape it or remove any damaged or diseased branches.
  9. Enjoy the beautiful flowers of your hydrangea in a pot!

Related plant:
Green Hydrangeas

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, for a potted hydrangea, it is best to use a soil that is high in organic matter and drains well. The soil should be loose enough so that roots can easily spread out and explore their new environment. A good potting mix will have a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.

About light

Just like other hydrangeas, hydrangeas in pots need plenty of sunlight. Six to eight hours of sun per day is ideal, although they will survive in partial sun with fewer hours of sunlight. If you live in a climate with very hot summers, it's best to provide some afternoon shade to protect the plant from the intense heat.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for a hydrangea in a pot is cool to cold temperatures. The plant prefers these conditions because it helps the plant to stay hydrated and prevents wilting. The ideal temperature range for a hydrangea in a pot is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% This plant requires high humidity, so regular misting is necessary, especially during the winter months. A humidifier may be necessary to maintain the proper level of moisture in the air. The leaves of the plant may turn brown and drop off if the humidity is too low.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant is not too demanding. A general purpose fertilizer will work just fine. Be sure to fertilize regularly, though, as hydrateas can be heavy feeders. When it comes to the roots, be sure to plant your hydrangea in a pot that is large enough. These plants have fairly aggressive root systems and will quickly outgrow a small pot.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your hydrangea healthy and happy. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as any crossing or scraggly branches. You can also prune to encourage new growth, or to shape your plant. Hydrangeas bloom on new wood, so don't be afraid to prune them back hard in early spring.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is typically done through rooting stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. Hydrangea cuttings can be taken from new growth at the tips of the stems or from more mature stems further down. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and have at least 2-3 leaf nodes. Cut just below a leaf node with a sharp knife or pruners and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Place the pot in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. After four to six weeks, Roots should form and new growth should appear. At this point, you can transplant the new plants into individual pots or into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is good. With regular watering, you can expect your hydrangea to grow quickly. If you live in an area with hot summers, you may want to water your hydrangea more frequently. Remember to fertilize your hydrangea every few weeks to promote healthy growth.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are too much sun, not enough water, and not enough fertilizer. Too much sun will cause the leaves to scorch, and the flowers will fade. Not enough water will cause the leaves to wilt, and the flowers will drop. Not enough fertilizer will cause the leaves to yellow, and the flowers will be small.

List to Know

  • Remember to keep the potting mix moist, but not soggy. Hydrangeas prefer a humid environment.
  • Place the pot in a location where it will receive partial sun to full shade.
  • Fertilize the plant monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
  • After the flowers have faded, prune the plant back to encourage new growth.
  • Be sure to protect the plant from extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.
  • If you live in an area with a lot of humidity, consider growing your hydrangea in a pot with a drainage hole to prevent root rot.
  • When watering your plant, always check the potting mix first to see if it is dry. Do not overwater.
  • If your plant starts to look wilted, it is probably due to lack of water.
  • Be sure to deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage new growth.

You May Like

  • Hydrangea isojaponica
  • Hydrangea macrophylla
  • Hydrangea arborescens
  • Hydrangea quercifolia
  • Hydrangea serrata
  • Hydrangea paniculata
  • Hydrangea aspera
  • Hydrangea villosa
  • Hydrangea anomala
  • Hydrangea heteromalla

Source:
Growing Hydrangeas - Center for Agriculture, Food, and the …
Take a Look at Hydrangeas - Penn State Extension
Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea, Peegee Hydrangea)

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