How to Grow Hydrangea Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Hydrangea shrub is a plant that is known for its large, showy flowers. The blooms of this plant can be any color from white to pink to purple, and they are often seen in bouquets and floral arrangements. Hydrangeas are native to Asia and North America, and they have been cultivated for centuries. These plants prefer to grow in shady areas with moist soil, and they can reach a height of up to six feet.

How to Grow Hydrangea Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Seven-barks
  • Panicle hydrangeas
  • Smooth hydrangeas
  • Mountain hydrangeas
  • Wild hydrangeas

Things to Know

  • A hydrangea shrub is a woody plant that typically grows to between 3 and 6 feet tall.
  • Hydrangea shrubs are native to Asia and North America.
  • The flowers of a hydrangea shrub are typically white, pink or blue.
  • Hydrangea shrubs prefer to grow in moist, well-drained soil.
  • Hydrangea shrubs are relatively low-maintenance and can be easily propagated from cuttings.
  • It is important to prune hydrangea shrubs regularly to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming overgrown.
  • Hydrangea shrubs are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, scale insects and powdery mildew.
  • Hydrangea shrubs are popular ornamental plants and are often used in landscaping.
  • Hydrangea shrubs can be dried and used in dried flower arrangements.
  • The name “hydrangea” comes from the Greek words “hydros” meaning water and “angeion” meaning vessel or receptacle.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

Growing Steps

  1. For hydrangea shrub, first step is to find a spot in your yard that gets partial to full sun.
  2. Then, you will need to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the roots ball of your plant.
  3. After digging the hole, mix some organic matter into the native soil.
  4. Next, you will need to remove the plant from the container it came in and place it into the hole.
  5. Once the plant is in the hole, backfill the hole with the native soil.
  6. Tamp down the soil around the base of the plant.
  7. Next, you will need to water the plant deeply.
  8. Then, you will need to apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
  9. Last step is to wait and watch your plant grow!

Related plant:
Hydrangea Shade

Soil Condition

About soil condition, hydrangeas prefer soils that are moist but well drained, meaning not soggy. They also like slightly acidic soils with a pH of around 5.0 to 6.0. If your soil is too alkaline, your hydrangeas will have a harder time absorbing nutrients, and their leaves may turn yellow as a result.

Light condition

So, like the other hydrangeas, the hydrangea shrub thrives in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. The more sun the shrub gets, the more flowers it will produce. If you want to create a blooming powerhouse, choose a spot in your yard that gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition for a hydangea shrub is very important. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves will scorch and the flowers will wilt. If the temperature gets too cold, the leaves will turn brown and the flowers will fall off.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the relative humidity in the air is below 50%, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the relative humidity is above 50%, the leaves will start to wilt.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, this family of plant foods, provides the essential nutrients that all plants need for proper growth. However, over-fertilization can lead to problems such as root burn, leaf scorch, and plant death.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your hydrangea shrub healthy and looking its best. There are a few things to keep in mind when pruning your hydrangea. First, it's important to prune at the right time of year. Pruning too early in the season can damage new growth, while pruning too late can affect next year's blooms. The best time to prune your hydrangea is in late winter or early spring. Second, be sure to use the correct tools for the job. Sharp, clean pruning shears will give you the best results. Avoid using garden shears or other tools that can crush or tear the stems. Finally, when pruning, be sure to cut back to a healthy bud or branch. This will encourage new growth and help your hydrangea shrub to thrive.

About Propagating

Propagation is typically done through rooting stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is not yet woody and should be about 6 inches long. Place the cuttings in a pot filled with moistened potting mix and provide bottom heat if possible. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into the ground.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is fast, so they are perfect if you are looking to add some green to your yard in a hurry. They can grow up to 3 feet in a single season and can live for many years with proper care.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are over-watering, under-watering, too much sun, and not enough sun. If you think your hydrangea has any of these issues, check the leaves and soil around the plant. Over-watering will cause the leaves to yellow and the plant to wilt. Under-watering will cause the leaves to brown and the plant to die. Too much sun will cause the leaves to burn, and not enough sun will cause the leaves to turn yellow.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water your hydrangea regularly. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
  • Place your hydrangea in an area that receives partial sun to full shade.
  • Fertilize your hydrangea once a month using a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your hydrangea in late winter or early spring to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
  • Protect your hydrangea from strong winds by staking it or placing it in a protected area.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around your hydrangea to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
  • Check your hydrangea regularly for pests and diseases and treat accordingly.
  • Cut off any spent blooms to encourage new growth.
  • Divide your hydrangea every few years to keep it healthy and vigorous.
  • Enjoy the

Similar Plants

  • Hydrangea serrata
  • Hydrangea macrophylla
  • Hydrangea arborescens
  • Hydrangea paniculata
  • Hydrangea anomala
  • Hydrangea villosa
  • Hydrangea hirta
  • Hydrangea
  • Hydrangea quercifolia
  • Hydrangea radiata

Source:
Growing Hydrangeas - Center for Agriculture, Food, and the …
Hydrangea - University of Connecticut
Selecting Hydrangeas for the Home Landscape | Ohioline

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category