When to Plant Hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas produce showy clusters of flowers in various colors.

Hydrangeas are deciduous trees, shrubs or vines that produce massive leaves and an abundance of showy blossoms grouped in clusters of various colors including whites, pinks, reds and blues. You can separate the Hydrangea genus into five main groups: bigleaf (Hydrangea macrophylla), climbing (Hydrangea anomala), oakleaf (Hydrangea quercifolia), panicle (Hydrangea paniculata) and smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens). Select a hydrangea species suited for your location for best results.

When to Plant Hydrangeas

The best times to plant hydrangeas is after the chance of frost has long passed in your area in late spring, in early summer or in the fall. Hydrangeas grown in containers outside in nurseries or garden centers can be planted during any season, but mid-summer plantings should be avoided, if possible. Plant hydrangeas on a cool and overcast day in the morning hours or wait until late afternoon to early evening on a sunny day.

Selecting Planting Location

Find a planting site for the hydrangea that is large enough for the expected full-grown size in both width and height, which varies depending on the variety grown. The climbing hydrangea needs strong supports, such as arbors or walls, since this variety can reach more than 50 feet in length over many years. Most hydrangea varieties develop more blooms when planted in locations with sun in the mornings and shade during the afternoon. Hydrangeas prefer well-drained soil.

Prior to Planting

Water the hydrangeas well several hours and up to 24 hours before planting. Remove all foliage in the planting area selected and space the planting holes according to plant's marker, if planting more than one hydrangea. Dig planting holes at depths that are equivalent to the containers or root ball of the hydrangeas, and at least double the width. Take the hydrangea out of the container, loosen the roots and place the plant in the center of the hole.

Planting Hydrangeas

Add soil to the hole until half-full; fill the hole with water to settle the hydrangea plant in place and to get rid of any air in the soil. Finish filling the hole and then water the area well. Cover the ground beneath the hydrangea's dripline with compost and 2 to 4 inches of mulch. Do not put any mulch against the stem of the plants. Supply 1 inch of water to the hydrangeas weekly any time rainfall is less through summer.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Hydrangeas; Jennifer Schultz Nelson; July 2008
• Hydrangeas Hydrangeas: Planting, Transplanting and Fertilizing Hydrangeas
• National Gardening Association: Hydrangea

Resources

• The University of Georgia: Hydrangea: A Southern Tradition
• University of Rhode Island: Hydrangeas for the Home Landscape