How to Grow Hydrangea Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Hydrangea tree is a shrub that can grow to be as tall as a tree. They have big, round flowers that can be any color from white to blue. Hydrangea trees are native to Asia, but they can be found in other parts of the world too.

How to Grow Hydrangea Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Tree Hydrangea
  • Mountain Hydrangea
  • Snowball Hydrangea
  • Oakleaf Hydrangea
  • Panicle Hydrangea

Things to Know

  • Hydrangea tree is a flowering tree.
  • The flowers of hydrangea tree are large and showy.
  • Hydrangea tree is native to Asia.
  • The leaves of hydrangea tree are simple and opposite.
  • The flowers of hydrangea tree are white, pink, blue, or purple.
  • The fruit of hydrangea tree is a small, round, fleshy drupe.
  • Hydrangea tree grows in full sun or partial shade.
  • Hydrangea tree is drought tolerant.
  • The roots of hydrangea tree are shallow and require moist, well-drained soil.
  • Hydrangea tree is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

How to Grow

  1. For hydrangea tree, first step is to choose the right plant. There are many factors to consider when selecting a plant, including the tree's disease resistance, growth habit, and mature size.
  2. Once you have selected a plant, the next step is to properly prepare the planting site. This includes clearing the area of all debris, loosening the soil, and adding organic matter.
  3. After the site is prepared, it is time to plant the tree. When planting, be sure to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree's root ball.
  4. Once the tree is in the hole, backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly.
  5. To ensure proper tree growth, it is important to provide the tree with the right nutrients. This can be done by applying a layer of compost around the tree's base.
  6. To help the tree establish a strong root system, it is important to water it regularly. The frequency of watering will depend on the tree's age and the weather conditions.
  7. As the tree grows, it is important to monitor its progress and shape. This includes pruning the tree to encourage proper growth and removing any dead or diseased limbs.
  8. Another important step in tree care is to protect the tree from pests and diseases. This can be done by using a variety of pest control products and monitoring the tree for signs of problems.
  9. The final step in tree care is to enjoy the benefits that the tree provides. This includes shade, beauty, and increased property value.

Related plant:
Oakleaf Hydrangea

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, a hydrangea tree likes a pH between 5.0 and 6.5, and they prefer soil that is moist but well-drained. They will not tolerate wet, mucky, or dry soils. A hydrangea tree's roots are shallow, so be careful not to plant it too deeply. amended with organic matter.

About light

Just like other hydrangeas, hydrangea trees need at least 4 to 6 hours of sun exposure every day in order to thrive. If your tree is not getting enough sun, it will likely have fewer blooms and its leaves may start to turn yellow. To ensure that your hydrangea tree gets enough sun, plant it in an area of your yard that receives direct sunlight for most of the day.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for a hydrangea tree is one that is cool but not cold. The tree does not like it when the temperature gets too low, as this can damage the leaves and flowers. The ideal temperature for a hydrangea tree is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the air is too dry, the leaves will wilt and the flowers will droop. If the air is too humid, the leaves will yellow and the plant will be more susceptible to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant that comes to mind is a green, leafy vegetable or a flower. However, there is one tree in particular that benefits greatly from fertilizer, and that is the Hydrangea tree. This tree is known for its large, beautiful blooms, which come in many colors. The Hydrangea tree does best when its roots are given plenty of room to grow. When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice the size of the tree's root ball. This will give the roots the space they need to spread out and grow properly. Once the tree is established, give it a fertilizer specially formulated for trees and shrubs. This will help the tree produce more flowers.

About light

Pruning a hydrangea tree is important to keep it healthy and looking its best. There are a few things to keep in mind when pruning a hydrangea tree. First, make sure to prune in late winter or early spring. This will give the tree time to recover from the pruning before new growth begins. Second, prune no more than one-third of the tree. This will keep the tree from being too stressed and will allow it to continue to produce flowers. Finally, be sure to use sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts. This will help the tree heal quickly and prevent disease.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is usually done by taking cuttings from new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of the stems. Make sure to remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in a pot filled with moistened perlite or vermiculite. Keep the pot in high humidity and out of direct sunlight until roots form.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is rapid in the first few years after planting. However, the growth rate slows down considerably after the plant matures. Full-grown hydrangea trees can reach a height of 15 to 20 feet and a width of 10 to 15 feet.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaves turning yellow and wilting, brown spots on the leaves, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problem, make sure to plant your hydrangea tree in an area that has well-drained soil and gets plenty of sunlight. Additionally, water your tree regularly and fertilize it every few months. If you notice any of these problems, you can try pruning the affected areas or using an fungicide.

List to Know

  • If you want to grow a healthy and vigorous hydrangea tree, make sure to plant it in an area that receives full sun.
  • Hydrangea trees require well-drained, moist soil in order to thrive. Make sure to amend your planting area with plenty of organic matter before planting.
  • Water your hydrangea tree regularly, especially when it is first establishing itself. Once established, the tree is quite drought tolerant.
  • Fertilize your tree once a year with a balanced fertilizer to encourage lush growth.
  • Prune your hydrangea tree regularly to encourage strong growth and to prevent it from becoming too leggy.
  • To encourage bountiful blooms, make sure to deadhead spent flowers throughout the season.
  • Protect your hydrangea tree from strong winds by staking it or planting it in a sheltered location.
  • Be on the lookout for

Similar Plants

  • Hydrangea
  • Jacaranda
  • Bottlebrush
  • Dogwood
  • Weigela
  • Forsythia
  • Lilac
  • Azalea
  • Rhododendron
  • Magnolia

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

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category