How Fast Do Hydrangeas Grow?
The growth rate of hydrangeas depends on the variety, as well as the amount of sun and water the plants receive. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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The most common hydrangea is the mophead (Hydrangea macrophylla) with large blue or pink blooms. Lacecaps (H. macrophylla normalis) have more delicate flower heads. Oakleafs (H. quercifolia) and peegees (H. paniculata) have large panicles or clusters of white flowers.
Growth Rate
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Mopheads and lacecaps quickly grow to a height of 3 to 6 feet. Peegees also grow fast, some up to 20 feet. Oakleafs are slow to medium growers, stopping at 4 to 6 feet after a few years.
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Factors Affecting Growth
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In addition to the variety, other factors affect the growth of hydrangeas. Oakleafs can not tolerate wet conditions and will decline, and possibly die, if planted in conditions that are too wet. Mopheads, lacecaps and peegees prefer moist conditions and can tolerate wet conditions for a short time. Mopheads and lacecaps prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, while peegees and oakleafs can tolerate full sun.
Improving Growth
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Choose the correct site for the type of hydrangea you have. Water enough to keep soil evenly moist until plants are established. Check soil dampness with your finger. Then water once to twice per week as needed to keep leaves from wilting. Hotter and/or sunnier areas will need more water than cooler and/or shadier areas.
Fun Fact
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The color of mophead and lacetop flowers is affected by the pH of the soil. Hydrangeas grown in acid soil (5.2 to 5.5) usually have blue flowers. Those grown in alkaline soil (6.0 to 6.2) usually have pink flowers. The flowers on oakleafs and peegees are not affected by pH.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Blue Mophead Hydrangea. Mshade (http://www.flickr.com/photos/linecon0/700722016/)
