Native to Virginia’s wet woodlands, smooth hydrangeas will thrive anywhere there is regular precipitation, full to partial shade, and warm, dry summers. Native to Japan and China, tree hydrangeas thrive in damp, fertile soils and can be grown anywhere in Virginia, from shade to full sun.
Are hydrangeas a good plant for Virginia?
What ties our little piece of the horticultural world to countries like China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and South America? One solution would be the flamboyant, vivid, flowering bushes known as hydrangeas, which thrive just as well here in Virginia despite being indigenous to exotic, tropical places of the world.
These intrepid plants are steadfast favorites of gardeners everywhere, in part because this flowering shrub provides such great value for the money: it is substantially proportioned, produces stunning flowers, and can provide winter interest. But even the most devoted hydrangea fans can become perplexed by the abundance of information accessible on this subject. How can you tell a mophead from a lacecap?
Do they require shade or the sun? And what is this thing about the soil’s composition affecting the bloom’s color? There is plenty to learn. So, in order to make this issue more approachable and to assist you in selecting the ideal variety of this international shrub for your particular environment, here is a crash course. You will have years of famed, reliably gorgeous blossoms as payment for your labor.
The inflorescence, or flowering portion of the hydrangea, is made up of both huge, showy blooms and smaller, less noticeable blossoms. The smaller blossoms have fertile seeds whereas the larger ones are infertile. Based on how these large and small flowers are arranged and presented, many hydrangea species can be distinguished from one another by their blooms. Mophead, lacecap, and panicle are three different flower forms that they produce. Large, snowball-shaped flowers are known as mopheads. On the interior, there are a few tiny blooms, although they are largely covered by the bigger blossoms. The lacecap’s blossoms are flat clusters of flowers rather than compact and rounded blooms. The inside portion is made up of small flowers, and the outer ring is made up of the larger blooms. Additionally, panicles are fashioned like a cone rather than a ball. Panicle hydrangeas have viable and infertile creamy-white flowers that occasionally become pink as they develop.
The four prominent types of hydrangeas that thrive in Virginia’s rich soil and mild winters and are heavily promoted there should be recognized and understood.
The most widely cultivated hydrangea, HYDRANGEA MACROPHYLLA, is useful for bringing a lot of early summer pink or blue color to gloomy or forested locations. Bigleaf, French, Mophead, Lacecap, Penny Mac, and Hortensia are examples of common names. In the morning light and afternoon shadow, everyone will flourish and thrive healthily. There are two varieties of macrophylla that are particularly unique: Endless Summer and Blushing Bride. They may blossom on “both on new season buds as well as on old buds (produced in the previous season). Because of this, they can flower for 10 to 12 weeks longer than typical Hydrangea macrophyllas on average. Depending on the soil’s pH and other factors, these skilled bloomers create stunning pink, grape, or blue blooms.
HYDRANGEA ARBORESCENCE: This species of hydrangea is a small to medium-sized shrub with huge serrated-edged leaves that blooms from May to July. It is also known as Smooth Hydrangea, Wild Hydrangea, or Sevenbark. The most well-known variation of this species, Anabelle, is also the hydrangea family member most resistant to freezing temperatures. Grandiflora is another well-liked cultivar with big, snowball-like blooms. This kind of hydrangea’s stem’s bark peels off in a number of tiny layers, revealing a distinctively colored layer underneath each one.
HYDRANGEA QUERCIFOLIA: This type, sometimes known as Oakleaf, thrives in Virginia even after years of drought because it can withstand hot summers and dry circumstances. From spring to summer, they produce large, spectacular blooms that usually become pinkish as they start to fade. They were given the name Oakleaf because no other hydrangea in the family produces any discernible fall foliage. In the summer, their huge, unique leaves are green, but in the fall, they turn into vivid hues of crimson, orange, yellow, and burgundy. The Snowflake, Harmony, Snow Queen, Alice, Sikes Dwarf, and Peewee types are typical and well-liked selections. Oakleaf hydrangeas typically reach heights of 6 to 8 feet. Sikes Dwarf is the most diminutive type, which makes it a wonderful option for tiny gardens.
PANICLE HYDRANGEA: This variety is the most tolerant of cold temperatures among all hydrangeas. To thrive, they require several hours of sunlight each day. Hydrangeas with panicles bloom in the middle of the summer and can reach heights of 10 to 15 feet. The only variety of hydrangea that can be shaped into a tree shape is this one. A cultivar known as Pee Gee is a particular favorite among many people who enjoy panicle hydrangeas. The term is derived from its scientific name, Paniculata Grandiflore, although “All panicle hydrangeas are now referred to as Pee Gee. Limelight is another popular variety of hydrangea that can be grown practically anywhere in the nation.
Like many other plants, hydrangeas should be grown in rich, loamy soil that is well-drained (dark, crumbly soil that is slightly sticky when moist). Plant them in the fall or in the early summer. Take into account these suggestions:
- In order to avoid having to clip hydrangeas repeatedly, plant them where they will have room to grow to their full size. (Hydrangeas often grow to a height of 4 feet by 4 feet.)
- Hydrangeas shouldn’t be planted too deeply. Plant at the same depth at which the hydrangea was potted.
- It’s crucial to have extra moisture during droughts in the first year or two after planting. However, exercise caution when watering, especially in clay soil. Despite having the Greek word for water in the first half of its name, hydrangeas are prone to root rot. Large leaves and a lack of flower buds are two signs of overwatering, which can also significantly hinder the bloom’s development. It is preferable to water lavishly less frequently than to do so excessively frequently.
- Hydrangeas should be transplanted in the late fall or winter when they are dormant and have all of their leaves fallen off.
- The majority of hydrangeas thrive in dappled shade. The panicle kinds are the outliers since they require more sun. However, keep in mind that hydrangeas normally do not thrive in close proximity to trees. Hydrangeas frequently don’t receive enough light directly under trees for them to flourish. Another issue is tree roots, which can take up a lot of the moisture and nutrients that hydrangeas require to survive from the soil.
White flowers cannot be altered, but pink or blue hydrangea blossoms can be made to look a certain way by adjusting the pH levels of the soil. It’s crucial to realize that soil pH has an impact on plant pigment, which in turn has an impact on flower color. Blooms on a plant in slightly acidic soil will be blue, according to the Virginia Cooperative Extension (soil pH of about 5.0 to 5.5). The hue of the bloom will be pink when the pH of the soil is greater than 6.0 to 6.5. Flower hues that fall somewhere between pink and blue are produced by soil pH levels between 5.6 and 5.9. The presence of aluminum in the soil is the cause of this phenomena. Simply explained, plants must not absorb metal from the soil for hydrangea blooms to be pink. Lime can be added to soil that naturally contains aluminum to help keep the metal away from the roots and to boost pH levels. Raising the pH will help prevent the bluing effect of aluminum out of the hydrangea’s system since hydrangeas absorb aluminum best at lower pH levels. The pH of the soil should be low in order to make the aluminum accessible to the plant. The pH of the soil tends to decrease when aluminum sulfate is added. Adding organic matter to the soil, such as coffee grinds, fruit and vegetable peels, and grass clippings, is another way to lower the pH. After being planted or transplanted, hydrangeas may even change color on their own as they adapt to their new surroundings.
The use of various fertilizers can also change the color of hydrangeas. A fertilizer with a lot of phosphorus can help the blooms stay pink or turn pink and keep aluminum away from the plant’s roots. To get a good blue hue, use a fertilizer that is heavy in potassium and low in phosphorus. Also keep in mind that you have the most control over the soil and blossom color when growing hydrangeas in pots.
Experienced gardeners have different preferences on the usage of fertilizer to improve the health of hydrangeas in addition to how it affects color. According to some, newly planted hydrangeas in loamy, rich soil might not require fertilizer the first year. Using chemical fertilizer with a gradual or fast release for shrubs and trees, treating older plants may be beneficial. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions while applying. If you’d rather avoid using commercial fertilizer, think about using peat moss, compost, and sulfur in combination.
Pruning is another topic that may cause misunderstanding or disagreement among gardeners, much like fertilizer. If the plant is healthy and has enough room to grow, some experts disagree that any pruning of hydrangeas is essential. Pruning is necessary if the plant grows too big or becomes unruly, although not all varieties should be pruned at the same time. Those that continue to bloom “After they have completed flowering, old growth should be trimmed. Therefore, the majority of mophead hydrangeas “Pruning this late could accidentally remove the flowers from the following year because these plants set their bloom buds in late summer and early fall. Others, like as the Endless Summer variety, can be clipped before they awaken in the spring or when they are falling dormant in the fall and exhibit the extraordinary property of blooming on both old and new growth.
For flower beds, wooded areas, or flower pots, hydrangeas are a lovely option. With little time and effort, these fragrant, adaptable plants will repay you with large flowers year after year.
Where should hydrangeas be planted for greatest results?
Plant hydrangeas close to a water source in an area with lots of light. Choose a location in the South where there is morning sun and afternoon shade. Hydrangeas can tolerate full-day sun in the north.
Do hydrangeas like shade or the sun?
With the ideal balance of morning sun and afternoon shade, hydrangeas flourish. Even the sun-loving Hydrangea paniculata will thrive in some shade. Some hydrangea cultivars may survive complete shadow, though.
The oakleaf hydrangea, also known as hydrangea quercifolia, is a substantial species of hydrangea that may reach heights of up to eight feet. In a shade garden, this big bush makes a beautiful backdrop. The height will provide excellent midsummer seclusion. Oakleaf hydrangeas are summer bloomers with mostly white blooms, elegant oakleaf-shaped leaves, and lovely peeling bark.
Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris is another choice for full shade. This climbing species, which has lacy, white blossoms in the summer, can reach a height of 50 feet if it is given adequate support. The foliage is a rich shade of green and would look wonderful growing up a tree trunk or covering the face of a building. It would also look lovely covering the roof of a garden shed.
Full shade cultivars require the same upkeep as partial shade. In the deeper shade, it will be especially crucial to keep the plants free of leaf litter and with excellent airflow. Water your plant once a week after it has become established. Keep a watch on the leaves, and if you notice any drooping, especially during the hot summer months, water them right away. The importance of this increases in hotter regions.
These leaves’ unique shape would be a lovely complement to Hosta leaves. The white blossoms would contrast nicely with the lighter hues of your shady blooms and provide some brilliant brightness to your shaded locations.
Shade Varieties
There are a few different hydrangea cultivars that thrive in the shade. Some types can even thrive in zones 3 (which doesn’t warm up until later in the spring), which is one of the coldest growing regions. Let’s examine some of the best shade selections!
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow queen’
The movie “Snow queen” is stunning. The flowers are stunning, as they are with all hydrangeas. These rose blush-colored blossoms appear in the middle of summer. The foliage of this plant is my favorite component. The leaves begin the season in a very deep green, gradually changing to a deep reddish bronze color, and finally finishing in that shade, offering a stunning splash of color to your fall landscape.
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’
With a height ranging between 12 and 15 feet, this Oakleaf Hydrangea is one among the biggest. In the summer, this plant blooms with incredibly deep cream-colored flowers. A woodland garden would be a truly lovely place for “Alice.” This cultivar would look especially beautiful if it were grown as a bordering hedge.
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’
‘Annabelle’ enjoys partial shade and has some of the largest flowers in the hydrangea family (12 inches wide!). These enormous blossoms can be supported all season long by the sturdy stalks. This shrub can grow up to five feet tall and five feet broad, so give it plenty of area to expand. These enormous, all-white blossoms bloom for a long time.
In a mass planting, as a specimen shrub, or as a foundation planting, “Annabelle” would look lovely. These bushes should still be included in your cutting garden. Imagine a bunch of flowers that large! Wow!
A hydrangea can be grown anyplace, right?
Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) are prized by gardeners for their glossy leaves and vibrant bloom clusters that can be up to 12 inches across. In U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, hydrangeas can be planted anywhere. However, as real estate experts are fond of saying, location, location, location is everything. Look for the finest location to plant hydrangeas in your yard because doing so will effect not only their development and health but also the hues of their flowers.
How are hydrangeas cared for in Virginia?
In wet, shady locations throughout Virginia, climbing hydrangea vines thrive. They can tolerate more light in cooler areas of the state as long as they get enough moisture in the summer. after blossoming to shield the plants from being uprooted by strong winds, loads of ice, or snow.
What month should hydrangeas be planted?
Learning the fundamentals of how to plant hydrangeas can help you save time and money, just like with most other items in your garden. You’ll improve your chances of enjoying big, vibrant hydrangea flowers for years to come by picking the appropriate site, getting the soil just right, and planting correctly.
When should I plant hydrangeas?
The best time to grow hydrangeas is in the fall, followed by early spring. The goal is to provide the shrub lots of time to develop a strong root system before it blooms. Early in the day or late in the day are the ideal times to plant. The day’s cooler hours provide relief from heat exhaustion. Water new plants frequently until they get established.
Locations to plant hydrangeas
The first step is knowing where to grow hydrangea plants. Hydrangeas are frequently grown in beds adjacent to houses or fences. This is so because hydrangeas prefer the mild early sun to the hot afternoon sun. A protected area with sunny mornings and shaded afternoons is the ideal spot to plant hydrangeas. This is frequently found on the north or south side of a house. Avoid planting underneath trees since it could cause competition for nutrients and water. Flowers and leaves can both be destroyed by strong winds.
hydrangea-friendly soil
The soil needs to be rich in organic matter for hydrangeas to thrive. Drainage is important. Although hydrangeas prefer damp soil, they cannot stand standing water. Root rot can be brought on by wet, poorly draining soils. Your hydrangeas could pass away in a matter of weeks. Consider adding a lot of compost to your heavy soil before planting to increase the soil’s quality.
Methods for planting hydrangeas
Simply dig planting holes that are 2 feet wider than the root ball for planting hydrangeas. So that your plant lies level with or just higher than the surrounding soil, match the depth of the hole to the size of the root ball. You can improve water drainage away from the plant’s base by making a small mound.
The best way to grow hydrangeas
Simple propagation methods can multiply a single hydrangea into several more. The optimal time to layer bigleaf and panicle hydrangeas is in the early to mid-summer. You only need to:
- Close to your hydrangea plant, make a tiny trench.
- Bend a branch such that the middle of the branch meets the earth in the trench (six to 12 inches of branch should extend past the trench).
- Where the branch meets the trench soil, make scuff marks on the bark.
- After the trench is filled, cover it with a paver, brick, or stone.
- The branch can be transplanted to a different area once it has established its own root system over time.
Hydrangeas with smooth or oakleaf leaves produce new growth from underground stems. Simply separate the baby plant from the main plant by digging it up. After then, it can be moved to a new spot.