Hydrangea Garden Design Ideas

Hydrangea garden design ideas

Shade-loving hydrangeas thrive in woodland settings, but avoid planting them too close to trees so they don't have to compete for water. Landscape around them with hostas, native plants or spring-flowering bulbs that emerge before the trees leaf out.

How do you plan a hydrangea garden?

When planting hydrangeas, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the width of the container the hydrangea came in. Place the plant in the hole so that the root ball is at the same depth as it was in the original pot, then fill in the hole with the 50-50 soil mixture described above. Water well after planting.

Where should you not plant hydrangeas?

No hydrangea will do well in HEAVY shade, such as under a shade tree. The blooms will be sparse and will not develop fully. If your landscape is mostly sunny (and hot), you may wish to grow the PeeGee (paniculata) hydrangea, which thrives in all day sun as long as it receives adequate moisture.

What month is best to plant hydrangeas?

So, when is the best time to plant hydrangeas? Aim for late spring, well after any danger of frost has passed, or early fall, when night temperatures usher in cooler air. If you garden in a region where the ground freezes, get plants into the ground at least six weeks prior to fall's first killing frost.

What do you put next to hydrangeas?

A combination of sun-loving spring and summer flowering annuals, such as zinnias and snapdragons, will not only add eye-catching appeal to your hydrangeas, but will give you a convenient cut-flower garden, as well.

How far away from the house should you plant hydrangeas?

Most of the varieties in Endless Summer will reach 3-4′ wide at maturity. I would give them at last two feet away from the foundation. Or even a little more if you don't want them touching the house. Summer Crush is the most compact, so you can plant that one a little closer.

Do hydrangeas need to be cut back for winter?

Cut back these shrubs in late winter before new growth begins. Because they need to grow and set buds the same year that they bloom, shrubs that flower on new wood generally start blossoming later than old-growth bloomers, beginning in midsummer and continuing until the first frost.

Should I cut the old blooms off my hydrangea?

Removing the spent blooms triggers flowering shrubs to stop producing seeds and instead put their energy toward root and foliage development. This makes plants stronger and healthier, so by deadheading, you'll be doing your hydrangeas a favor.

How many years does it take hydrangeas to grow full size?

Though they are fast growing shrubs, it can take 2-4 years for hydrangeas to reach their full size.

Should you plant hydrangeas under trees?

Unless the shrubs are planted in a raised bed that sits above the root system of trees, avoid planting hydrangeas directly beneath trees where they must compete for water and nutrition. The shrubs grow best in soil that contains plenty of organic material and good drainage.

Can I plant 2 hydrangeas together?

Incrediball hydrangeas are recommended to be 3-5 feet apart, so you can plant them spaced 3 feet if you wish. The number of plants you'll need for your hedge depends on the plant spacing.

Can you plant hydrangea next to foundation?

One of the easiest types of hydrangeas you can grow along your home's foundation is a panicle hydrangea. Because their size ranges greatly, you'll want to be sure to read the label carefully when choosing which is the best fit.

Is October too late to plant hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas can be planted at any time of year, but the best time to get them in the ground is spring or fall when the weather is mild.

Do hydrangeas need a lot of water?

Hydrangea Care Tips Water at a rate of 1 inch per week throughout the growing season. Deeply water 3 times a week to encourage root growth. Bigleaf and smooth hydrangeas require more water, but all varieties benefit from consistent moisture.

Is Miracle Grow good for hydrangeas?

What Kind of Soil to Use for Hydrangeas. To grow hydrangeas in planting beds, focus on improving the native soil. One simple way to do that is to combine equal parts existing soil and Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil.

What not to plant with hydrangeas?

Due to the conditions hydrangeas prefer, sun-loving or deep shade plants will not cope. Many ornamental and edible plants fall under this list, making poor companions.

Why do you put coffee grounds on hydrangeas?

If you're growing hydrangeas, use coffee grounds to affect their color. Coffee grounds add extra acidity to the soil around hydrangeas. On a chemical level, this increased acidity makes it easier for the plant to absorb naturally occurring aluminum in the dirt. The effect is pretty blue clusters of flowers.

Should I put mulch around my hydrangeas?

Mulch Matters To give hydrangeas their best chance at success, apply a layer of chunky mulch around the base of the plant. Decorative mulch is helpful but we recommend straw, marsh hay, or fallen leaves.

What does baking soda do for hydrangeas?

Baking soda is an organic fungicide with anti-fungal properties that can help prevent fungal disease from attacking your hydrangea plants, so it's a good idea to use it every time you water the plant or give them fertilizer.

Why do you plant hydrangeas on the north side of the house?

Hydrangeas generally need some sun and like some shade. In the South, nurseries grow them under pines or shade houses to filter sunlight. "For most hydrangeas, the farther north they are, the more sun they can stand," says horticulturist Michael Dirr.