How to Grow Mini Penny Hydrangea - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Mini penny hydrangea is a slow-growing, compact plant that is perfect for small gardens or as a border plant. It has deep green leaves and produces beautiful white or pink flowers in the summer.

How to Grow Mini Penny Hydrangea - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Oakleaf hydrangea (H. quercifolia)
  • Panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata)
  • Smooth hydrangea (H. arborescens)
  • Snowball hydrangea (H. glabra)
  • Wild hydrangea (H. arborea)

Common Knowledge

  • Mini penny hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) are a type of hydrangea that is known for its small size and round, puffy flowers.
  • The plant is native to Japan and China and was first introduced to the United States in the early 1900s.
  • Mini penny hydrangeas are popular as ornamental plants and are often used in landscaping.
  • The plants prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  • They are relatively low-maintenance and are not susceptible to many pests or diseases.
  • The flowers can be white, pink, blue, or purple, depending on the cultivar.
  • The plant blooms in late spring or early summer.
  • Deadheading (removing spent flowers) will promote continued blooming.
  • The plant can be propagated via stem cuttings.
  • The plant will typically reach a height of 2-3 feet and a width of 3-4 feet at maturity.

Related plant:
Mini Hedge Trimmer

How to Grow

  1. For mini penny hydrangea, first step is to obtain a young plant from a nursery or garden center.
  2. Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil.
  3. Prepare the planting area by removing any grass or weeds.
  4. 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.
  6. Water thoroughly.
  7. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
  8. Prune annually after the plant has flowered.
  9. The mini penny hydrangea is a low-maintenance plant and does not require much care.
  10. Enjoy the beauty of your mini penny hydrangea!

Related plant:
Miniature Butterfly Bush

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, mini penny hydrangea prefers well-drained soils, and they are not too particular about soil type as long as it is not poorly drained. They will grow in sun or part shade, and the flowers will be pink in full sun and lavender in part shade.

About light

Like the other hydrangeas, mini penny hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) require at least six hours of sun per day to produce the best flowers. However, they will still bloom in partial shade. If you live in an area with very hot summers, some afternoon shade will help keep the plants from wilting.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for mini penny hydrangeas is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate slightly cooler or warmer temperatures, but anything outside of that range can cause stress to the plant. Too much heat can cause the leaves to wilt, while too much cold can cause them to turn brown and drop off.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%, which can be maintain by placing the plant in a well-ventilated room or terrace. It is also essential to water the plant regularly, at least once a week during the summer months and every two weeks during the winter months. Too much humidity can cause the leaves to turn brown and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, this kind of plant does best with a light hand. Too much fertilizer will result in more leaves and fewer flowers. The best time to fertilize is in early spring, before the plant begins to bloom. A light application of a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, is all that is needed. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer, which will last for several months. As for the roots, they are very sensitive to excessive moisture. The plant does best in well-drained soil that is not too wet. If the roots are too wet, they will rot. If the soil is too dry, the plant will not bloom.

Plant Pruning

Pruning a mini penny hydrangea is a simple task that can be done in just a few minutes. First, identify the areas of the plant that you wish to prune. Next, using sharp pruning shears, make clean cuts at the desired locations. Finally, remove any dead or dying leaves or stems from the plant.

The Propagation

Propagation is easy with mini penny hydrangeas. Simply take stem cuttings in late summer or early fall and root them in a pot of soil. Keep the pot in a warm, sunny spot until new growth appears, then move it to a spot with bright, indirect light. Once the plants are established, they can be transplanted to the garden.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is about one foot per year. Some may grow a little faster or slower depending on the conditions they are in. But, on average, they will add about twelve inches to their height each year.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are root and foliar diseases. Root diseases are caused by too much moisture in the soil, which can lead to fungal or bacterial growth. Foliar diseases are usually caused by pests or pathogens that attack the leaves. These diseases can cause the leaves to yellow, warp, or fall off the plant.

Tips on Growing

  • Make sure to plant your mini penny hydrangea in a location that receives full sun.
  • Prepare the soil before planting by adding organic matter such as compost or manure.
  • Space the plants at least 18 inches apart to allow for growth.
  • Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods.
  • Apply a fertilizer formulated for hydrangeas once a month during the growing season.
  • Prune the plants in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
  • Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.
  • Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and control weeds.
  • Protect the plants from strong winds by staking them or planting them in a sheltered location.
  • Watch for pests and diseases and take action to control them if necessary.

You May Like

  • Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
  • Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
  • climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)
  • Cutleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata)
  • Hardwood cutleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia f. serrata)
  • Sevenbark hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
  • Snowflake hydrangea (Hydrangea floribunda)
  • Mountain hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)
  • Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens subsp. arborescens)
  • Rough hydrangea (Hydrangea aspera)

Source:
Hydrangea - North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Growing Hydrangeas - Center for Agriculture, Food, and the …
Hydrangea Care - University of Illinois Extension

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