Planting and Growing Stunning Hydrangeas - Greenwood Nursery Guide
Planting hydrangeas correctly from Greenwood Nursery, your premier online plants nursery, will reward you with years of beautiful flowering shrubs. Discover the secrets to vibrant blooms and healthy growth.
For optimal growth and blooming, plant your hydrangeas in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Avoid heavy shade, except for the Pee Gee Hydrangea variety, which thrives even in full sun. Consistent moisture is key, especially during the first two years and in drought conditions. Monitor your hydrangea plants from our online nursery and water them when needed.
Hydrangeas benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a good slow-release fertilizer 1-2 times a year: May and July for zones 6-8, and June for zone 5 and further north. Always follow the fertilizer label instructions and avoid fertilizing wilted or unhappy plants until the issue is resolved.
Different hydrangea varieties require specific pruning times to ensure blooms for the following year. Always remove any dead or broken stems. As plants mature, prune about 1/3 of the stems back to ground level to maintain health.
- Oakleaf Hydrangeas: Plant 3-4 feet apart. Prune back to 18-24 inches after blooming until mid/late summer (blooms on old wood).
- Limelight, Pee Gee, and other Paniculatas: Bloom in mid/late summer and can be pruned in fall/winter or early spring (bloom on new wood). Blooms often turn pinkish with age.
- Forever Pink, Nikko Blue, and other Macrophyllas: Prune in summer after blooming, but before August (bloom on old wood). Buds for the following year set early.
- Climbing Hydrangea: Improve growth by adding organic matter like aged manure/compost. Slow to establish, prune minimally, mainly removing dead branches.
Remember, white blooming hydrangeas will not change to pink or blue. However, white blooms often develop a pinkish tint as they age. Red hydrangeas may not achieve a true red in warmer climates.
- For Pink Flowers: Aim for a soil pH of 6.0-6.2. Add dolomite lime several times a year. Use a high phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 25/10/10) to limit aluminum absorption.
- For Blue Flowers: Aim for a soil pH of 5.2-5.5. For established plants (2-3 years old), apply a solution of ½ oz (1 Tbsp) aluminum sulfate per gallon of water throughout the growing season. Water well before applying and use cautiously to avoid root burn. Use a low phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 25/5/30). Avoid bone meal. Naturally encourage blue color by adding organic matter like coffee grounds, fruit/vegetable peels, and grass clippings to the soil. Ensure your water pH is no higher than 5.6. Avoid planting near concrete foundations or walkways, as lime can raise the soil pH.
Explore the stunning hydrangea plants available at Greenwood Nursery Online Plant Nursery and Garden Center and bring lasting beauty to your garden!
