How to Grow Little Lamb Hydrangea - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Little lamb hydrangea is a shrub that typically grows to around three feet tall. It has dark green leaves and produces clusters of small, white flowers in the summer. The plant is native to East Asia and is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens.

How to Grow Little Lamb Hydrangea - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Oakleaf hydrangea
  • Mountain hydrangea
  • Snowball hydrangea
  • Wild hydrangea
  • Petiolaris hydrangea

Basic info

  • Little Lamb hydrangea is a deciduous shrub that is native to East Asia.
  • It is a member of the genus Hydrangea, which contains about 70 species.
  • The plant gets its common name from the shape of its inflorescences, which resemble little lambs.
  • Little Lamb hydrangea is a popular ornamental plant, and is grown in gardens around the world.
  • It prefers moist, well-drained soils and does best in partial shade.
  • The plant produces white or pink flowers that bloom in summer.
  • The flowers are followed by small, round, blue fruits that are popular with birds.
  • Little Lamb hydrangea is relatively easy to care for, and is generally trouble-free.
  • However, it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.
  • If you are looking for a pretty shrub to add to your garden, Little Lamb hydrangea is a good option.

Related plant:
Photinia Little Red Robin

Growing Steps

  1. For little lamb hydrangea, first step is to plant the shrub in a location that has at least six hours of sunlight each day.
  2. Prepare the planting site by clearing away any weeds or other vegetation.
  3. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant.
  4. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
  5. Water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
  6. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant, being sure to keep it away from the stem.
  7. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
  8. Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  9. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
  10. Enjoy the beautiful blooms of your little lamb hydrangea!

Related plant:
Spiraea Little Princess

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the little lamb hydrangea prefers well-drained, moist soil, but it is adaptable to a wide range of soils as long as the drainage is good. This plant is not tolerant of wet soils.

About light

Similar to other hydrangeas, the little lamb hydrangea thrives in sunny spots. It's a good idea to plant this beauty in an area that gets at least six hours of sun per day. If you're looking for a place to put your little lamb hydrangea, a spot near a south- or west-facing wall would be ideal.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for the growth of the little lamb hydrangea is a temperature that is not too hot and not too cold. This plant thrives in temperatures that are moderate and consistent. They do not like extreme changes in temperature, so a location that has moderate temperature conditions is ideal.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-60%. If the humidity level drops below 40%, the leaves will start to wilt and the plant will become stressed. If the humidity level remains below 40% for an extended period of time, the plant will start to die.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, usually the plant does not need fertilizer unless it is not growing well. You can test the soil to see if it is lacking in nutrients. To test the soil, take a sample of the soil from several different areas in the yard and have it tested at a nursery or cooperative extension. If the soil is lacking in nutrients, you can add fertilizer to the soil. The best time to fertilizer is in the spring. Regarding the root system, the plant has a deep root system and can tolerate some drought.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your little lamb hydrangea healthy and blooming. You should prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back any dead or damaged branches, and then cut back the remaining branches by one-third. This will encourage new growth and help keep your plant from getting too leggy.

The Propagation

Propagation is typically done through stem cuttings taken from new growth in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and have at least 2-3 sets of leaves. Place the cuttings in a potting mix and water well. Keep the pot in a bright, indirect light and wait for the cuttings to take root, which should happen within 4-6 weeks. Once the roots are established, you can transplant the new plants into your garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be fast. The plant can grow up to 3 feet in a single season. Some gardeners have reported that the plant has reached 4 feet in a single season, but this is considered to be rare. The average growth rate for most little lamb hydrangea is around 2 feet per season.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are due to its shallow root system. Because the roots are shallow, the plant is susceptible to drought and water stress. The plant is also susceptible to pests and diseases, which can cause problems for the plant.

Growing Tips

  • Do not forget to water your lamb hydrangea regularly. The plant cannot survive without water.
  • Place your lamb hydrangea in an area where it will receive direct sunlight.
  • Apply a fertilizer to the plant regularly.
  • Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Protect the plant from extreme temperatures.
  • Do not allow the plant to dry out completely.
  • Be careful when handling the plant as the leaves are delicate.
  • Check the plant regularly for pests and diseases.
  • Harvest the flowers when they are in full bloom.
  • Enjoy your beautiful lamb hydrangea plant!

You May Like

  • Great hydrangea
  • Snowball hydrangea
  • Smooth hydrangea
  • Snow Queen hydrangea
  • Little white hydrangea
  • Soapwort
  • Sweet hydrangea
  • Mophead hydrangea
  • Oakleaf hydrangea
  • Climbing hydrangea

Source:
Species: Hydrangea paniculata ' Lammetje' Little Lamb - Cornell …
Species: Hydrangea paniculata ' Lammetje' Little Lamb
Hydrangeas For Mississippi Gardens

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category