How to Grow White Hydrangea Bush - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

White hydrangea bush is a plant that is native to Japan. It is a popular choice for gardens because of its large, showy flowers. The flowers are white, but they can also be pink, purple, or blue. The plant grows to be about 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide.

How to Grow White Hydrangea Bush - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Oakleaf hydrangea
  • Panicle hydrangea
  • Smooth hydrangea
  • Mountain hydrangea
  • Wild hydrangea

Basic info

  • White hydrangeas are one of the most popular shrubs in the world.
  • They are native to Asia and have been cultivated for centuries.
  • White hydrangeas are characterized by their large, showy flowers.
  • The flowers are typically white, but can also be pink, blue, or purple.
  • White hydrangeas are relatively easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of soil types.
  • They prefer full sun to partial shade and require regular watering.
  • White hydrangeas are generally pest and disease resistant.
  • They can be propagated by rooting cuttings or dividing existing plants.
  • White hydrangeas make excellent additions to gardens and landscapes.
  • They are also popular cut flowers and can be used in a variety of arrangements.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Runaway Bride Snow White

How to Grow

  1. For white hydrangea bush, first step is to find a suitable location. It should be a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
  2. Then, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  3. Place the plant in the hole and backfill it with soil.
  4. Tamp down the soil gently to remove any air pockets.
  5. Water the plant deeply to settle the roots.
  6. Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
  7. Once the plant is established, water it regularly during dry periods.
  8. Fertilize the plant once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
  9. Prune the plant as needed to shape it and remove any dead or dying branches.
  10. Enjoy the beauty of your white hydrangea bush!

Related plant:
White Flowering Shrubs

The Soil

About soil condition, white hydrangea bush needs well-drained, moist soil, but they will tolerate some drought once they are established. The plant does best in acidic soil but will also do well in neutral to slightly alkaline soil.

About light

Similar to other hydrangeas, the white hydrangea bush requires a lot of sun to flourish. At least six hours of sunlight a day is ideal, though the bush can tolerate some shade. If it doesn't get enough sun, the bush will produce fewer blooms.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for a white hydrangea bush is one that is cool and moist. This type of climate is typically found in regions that experience moderate to high amounts of rainfall. The soil in these areas is also typically rich in nutrients, which is ideal for the growth of a healthy bush.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the plant is not receiving enough humidity, the leaves will start to curl and the flowers will wilt. If the plant is receiving too much humidity, the leaves will start to yellow and the flowers will fall off.

The Fertilizer

About fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a low nitrogen fertilizer. You can use a balanced fertilizer or a fertilizer made specifically for blooming plants. Bloom Boosters are a good choice as they help encourage more flowers. I like to use a organic fertilizer that I make myself with things like kelp meal, bone meal and compost. As for watering, white hydrangeas like to have moist, but not soggy, soil. I water my plants every other day or so, depending on the weather. In the hotter months, I may water them every day.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your white hydrangea bush healthy and beautiful. late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back last year’s canes to about 18 inches from the ground. This will encourage new growth and provide the bush with a fuller, more attractive shape.

The Propagation

Propagation is easy from softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Make sure the cutting has at least two sets of leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not wet and in a few weeks, you should see new growth.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the weather and growing conditions. However, generally, they have a moderate growth rate and can grow up to 15 feet tall. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are: lack of blooms, yellowing leaves, and browning leaves. These problems are often caused by too much sun, too little sun, or too much water. To fix these problems, you can try moving the bush to a different location, or changing the amount of water you give it.

Growing Tips

  • Do not forget to water your white hydrangea bush regularly. They like moist soil, so make sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  • Fertilize your white hydrangea bush every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your white hydrangea bush in late winter or early spring.
  • Place your white hydrangea bush in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. If you see any, treat them immediately.
  • Deadhead your white hydrangea bush regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Pinch back new growth in the spring to encourage bushier growth.
  • Mulch around your white hydrangea bush to help retain moisture in the soil.
  • Water your white hydrangea bush deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth

Related Plants

  • White Spirea (Pink Spirea, Pink Meadowsweet) (Spiraea alba): A word by word breakdown of the Latin name.
  • White Oak (Quercus alba): A word by word breakdown of the Latin name.
  • Snowy Mespilus (Mespilus canescens): A word by word breakdown of the Latin name.
  • Shakti Tree (Hesperalbizia occidentalis): A word by word breakdown of the Latin name.
  • Search Tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia): A word by word breakdown of the Latin name.
  • Sasha's Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum): A word by word breakdown of the Latin name.
  • Sauce Tree (Sauceria calophylla): A word by word breakdown of the Latin name.
  • Satin Tree (Albiz

Source:
Growing Hydrangeas - Center for Agriculture, Food, and the …
Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea, Peegee Hydrangea)
Hydrangeas For Mississippi Gardens

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category