Everyone loves Hydrangeas!  Who could not with their flower power and ability to out show most shrubs in your landscape?  Here is a guide to one of your favorite shrubs:

Where do Hydrangeas come from?

• Hydrangeas grow naturally in eastern Asia, eastern North America and western Central and South America.
• In the United States, the smooth hydrangea (H. arborescens) is native to the Appalachian Mountains.
• Oakleaf hydrangea (H. quercifolia) grows naturally in the Piedmont region of the southeastern part of the country.
• Bigleaf Hydrangea, like Endless Summer Hydrangea (H. macrophylla) is from Eastern Asia such as Japan. Lacecap Hydrangeas, like Lady in Red Hydrangea, are also in the macrophylla species.

General Characteristics: 

• The genus Hydrangea includes flowering shrubs, small trees and climbing plants, all of which prefer moist and temperate growing conditions.
• Conditions in the eastern, southeastern and northwestern states are suitable for growing hydrangeas.                         
• The rounded, flat-topped or pyramidal hydrangea flowers are generally conspicuous, borne freely, long lasting and often highly decorative.
• Rounded flowers are referred to as ‘Mopheads.’
• Flattened or slightly dome-shaped flowers with a ring of larger florets surrounding a cluster of small flowers are referred to as ‘Lacecaps.’
• Pyramidal flowers are often referred to as ‘Late Panicle.’

Flower Color:

• The flower color on some cultivars is strongly affected by the pH of the soil.
• Blue flowers found in hydrangeas are always produced in acid soils.
• Pinker shades are produced in alkaline soils.
• Click here for our How to Guide: To Change My Hydrangea Flower Color

Conditions:

• Hydrangeas are easy to grow while offering a long lasting colorful display.
• Hydrangeas will grow in many soils.
• Best in moist soils.
• Rich loam is best.
• Light sand is adequate if sufficient organic matter is added.
• Hydrangeas have few pests or diseases.

Planting:

Hydrangeas can be planted any time of the year since most are container grown. Field grown Hydrangeas should be planted in spring or fall. Take the time to properly prepare the planting location is important. Plants should be mulched to retain moisture and maintain an even soil temperature. A general purpose fertilizer should be applied twice a year after the first year. Use as single shrubs in a mixed border or in a mixed shrub planting. May be used for groups or specimen.

Pruning:

• Water and Feed Hydrangeas to ensure blooms for next season and vitality of the plant.
• Most ‘Mopheads’ and ‘Lacecaps’ bloom on previous year’s wood.
• Endless Summer Hydrangeas bloom on old and new wood.
• Prune immediately after flowering,
• Cut the stem back to the uppermost pair of new buds.
• Do not injure any new green shoots as these will provide next year’s flowers.
• To maintain the size, shape and vigor of older plants:
• One third of all the main shoots should be cut off at ground level.
• The oldest and most gnarled wood should be removed.
• Smooth, Late Panicle, and Oakleaf Hydrangeas produce flowers on the current season’s growth.
• Pruning may take place from late autumn to early spring.
• Prune Smooth Hydrangea stems back to about one foot from the ground in February or March of each year.
• Prune Late Panicle Hydrangea stems back previous season’s growth leaving only two buds at the base of each stem.
• There will be fewer shoots but larger flowers.
• Without pruning, there will be more but smaller flowers.
• Prune Oakleaf Hydrangea back to first pair of green buds after flowering.

Printable Fact Sheet
UMASS has provided Northeast Nursery with downloadable fact sheets for common garden concerns and tips. Hydrangea Color & Fertilizing fact sheet | Hydrangea Pruning fact sheet.

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