Pruning Hydrangeas

Decisions about when to prune hydrangeas, how to cut them back and how hard, and even how to do this task can be daunting for the novice gardener. The Plant Company have produced this series of articles to provide advice for how to prune Hydrangeas so you can manicure your plants with confidence and success.

How Do You Prune Hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas are pruned each winter in NZ to contain growth and encourage fresh, new growth that will bear flowers. The Plant Company recommends they are pruned back to a low crown which has short stems (about 10 cm long) with at least two buds on each stem remaining using secateurs. Any dead stems should also be removed at this time, along with stems that are criss-crossing or show disease. Young plants will generally be left with five stems whereas older plants can have 20-30 stems remaining. These can be thinned back to 15 if desired which will help produce bigger flower heads. Longer stems can be left on younger plants while they are establishing. In general, the harder the plant is pruned back, the more contained it will grow the next season. Flowering can be affected with hard pruning but that is more likely to cause delayed flowering only.

A mistake often made is to not prune the plants hard enough. This error results in a woodier plant and a much larger plant that can be difficult to contain.

How Hard Can I Prune Or Cut Back A Hydrangea?

Most Hydrangea varieties will sprout new shoots when cut right back, even to stumps at ground level. However, this relies on the plant having heathy stems at the outset. If the stumps have any dead wood or they are too old (more than five years), they may not shoot or may only shoot on one side. Similarly, stumps that still have actively growing foliage may not sprout unless all the foliage connected to that stem is completely removed.

Severe pruning using a pruning saw is best undertaken any time from late autumn until early spring. Multiple shoots will usually grow from each stump and the plant may even produce flowers on the new shoots. However, Hydrangeas grown in heavy shade environments may struggle to re-establish when cut back severely.

When To Prune Hydrangeas

When to prune hydrangeas is a question frequently asked. In short, it's best to hold off pruning Hydrangeas until mid-late winter. Don't be tempted to prune too early as the pruning will stimulate new growth which could be burnt by frosts. Please refer to the section on how to prune Hydrangeas for detailed information on this activity.

Why Do You Need To Prune Hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas grow with a rounded, almost ball-like shape, with all of the new growth generally on the outside of the plant. That ball will keep getting bigger and bigger if it is not pruned back and will quickly become woody at its centre. We therefore prune to contain growth, encourage fresh foliage, and to present a more aesthetic plant. Pruning can also assist with giving larger flower heads as we are encouraging new growth that will generally result in fewer but better flowers. Please refer to the section on how to prune Hydrangeas for detailed information on this activity which is undertaken during winter.

Hydrangea Care

Hydrangea care is about making sure the plants are thriving. Our plant care articles provide the necessary details to give you the greatest chance of success. Afterall, there is nothing worse than investing in the plants, putting the effort into planting them, and then having them fail. Therefore, follow our advice for Hydrangea care and give yourself the best chance of success.

How To Care For Hydrangeas

The most important part starts with planting and we have a whole section that discusses that. So, let’s assume your plant is growing well and you want to keep it that way!

Winter is the perfect time for mulching and pruning your plants. Organic matter such as compost or sheep pellets should be spread liberally around the plants and then overlaid with a mulch. The Plant Company has two very good options for mulch. The first is coco fibre matting which is made from the husks of coconuts. It breaks down to become part of the soil within two years. The second is the black plastic matting which will last 20 years or more. In both instances we recommend stones, bark chip, or other similar products be spread over top of the mulch for aesthetic purposes. We do not recommend adding fertiliser during winter as this is better applied in spring so less is wasted. However, adding organic matter is quite okay. Pruning can be aggressive or subtle as you like. Typically, plants are pruned to contain growth and encourage fresh, new foliage. Please refer to the section on pruning to ensure you do this correctly.

Spring is the perfect time for fertilising the plants as they start to bounce into life. The Plant Company has fertilisers which have been specially blended for different plants and in this instance, our fertiliser for acid loving plants or shrub fertiliser will give them the correct boost and keep them fed for 12-months. A suitable alternative is our organic fertiliser which will also keep them well fed but they will require a secondary application in autumn.

Summer is when the plants need regular watering and this should be undertaken daily on the hottest days. Plants that are establishing need particular attention as their root system will not have penetrated deep enough to secure consistent moisture yet. Summer is also the season when spent flowers should be removed to encourage new flowers to grow.

Caring for Hydrangeas in autumn is about keeping the plants healthy and continuing to remove spent flowers. Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken during spring, summer, and autumn if you have time but this is not essential if solid fertiliser and/or good amounts of organic matter have already been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser won’t hurt.

Check plants for any pest or disease issues during spring, summer, and autumn. If anything is looking a little bit unusual at any time of year, refer to our section on dealing with issues for a solution.

How To Maintain Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas grow best in soil that is rich in nutrients. Therefore, adding compost or other organic mulch to the soil each year is going to pay dividends, as will adding Hydrangea fertiliser. The Plant Company recommends at least 5-6 cm of mulch is applied to help supress weeds and preserve moisture in the soil.

Hydrangeas flower on new growth, so pruning is essential to not only contain the plants, but to also encourage new growth. Generally, the plant is cut back to a crown about 30 cm above ground level each winter. This may seem like aggressive pruning, but it is normal practice, and you should still see buds on the remaining stems. The only maintenance thereafter is to de-head the plants as the flowers fade and trim off any unsightly or broken stems.

Should I Cut Off Dead Hydrangea Flowers?

The aged flowers can make Hydrangea plants less appealing, and The Plant Company recommends the spent flowers are cut off using secateurs. Some articles suggest that doing this can stimulate new growth which can be susceptible to frost. That may be true but remember that the plant will be trimmed in winter so that growth would be removed anyway. Also note that you’d rather have lovely looking plants in the garden than ones covered in dead flowers. It is also worth noting that flowers are produced on new seasons’ growth. Therefore, pruning a plant in winter does not mean you’ll miss out on flowers the next summer.

Hydrangea Fertiliser

Providing the best fertiliser for Hydrangeas is vital for ensuring the plants thrive. The correct fertiliser depends on whether the plant is grown in a pot or in soil, and getting this wrong can be disastrous for your plants. Our fertiliser articles provide the best advice about fertiliser for Hydrangea so you can achieve the amazing results you are after.

How To Change The Hydrangea Flower Colour

Only the coloured Hydrangea varieties can be managed to get the flower colour to change from blue to pink or vice versa. As a general rule, Hydrangeas will turn blue in acidic soils or pink in alkaline soils. The stronger the acidity or alkalinity, the more intense (i.e., darker) will be the colour. To make the soil more acidic use soil acidifying fertiliser. To make the soil more alkaline, use dolomite. Please follow the directions with these products as overuse can result in plant injury. You also want to avoid dramatic shifts in the soil pH as the plants need to adjust to the changing soil conditions. The Plant Company advises using pH test kits to monitor the soil pH. Changes in the flower colour should become apparent within a few weeks.

How To Make A Blue Hydrangea

If your Hydrangea is pink and you want to turn it blue, simply add soil acidifying fertiliser. As the acid levels in the soil increase, the flower colour will become darker blue. Please note, however, if your hydrangea is white or cream coloured, the flower colour will not change greatly with changes in soil acidity.

What Is The Best Fertiliser For Hydrangeas Grown In A Pot?

Hydrangeas grown in containers require different fertiliser to those grown outdoors in soil. In this instance the correct fertilisers to use are either the container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets. Each of these will provide safe, sustained, and complete nutrition to the plant for the next 12-months. Using other types of fertiliser can be detrimental to the plant and may result in plant injury or death.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets have been used. If you think the plant needs an extra boost or has some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and encourages more flower buds to form as the nutrition is right where the plant needs it.

What Is The Best Fertiliser For Hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas are vigorous plants that require feeding to keep them flowering and growing optimally. A lot of articles have all sorts of advice on this subject but we prefer to keep it simple. The Plant Company’s shrub fertiliser has been blended to give plants an initial boost and then sustained nutrition for 12-months. We recommend the fertiliser is applied to the soil surface in spring just as the buds start to burst. More importantly, we advise that no fertiliser is placed in the hole at planting, but rather spread around the soil surface so it can wash through the roots as it releases. The Plant Company shrub fertiliser ensures that nutrients remain in the soil around the plant rather than being lost through the soil profile to where the plant cannot reach it. This also applies to plants grown on sandy soils. This fertiliser is therefore very environmentally friendly and longer lasting than most other products in the market.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if shrub fertiliser or fertiliser for acid loving plants has been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and encourages more flower buds to form as the nutrition is right where the plant needs it.

What Is The Best Organic Fertiliser For Hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas are showy plants that require feeding to keep them flowering and looking amazing. A lot of articles have all sorts of advice on this subject which often requires multiple applications so you use more of their fertiliser. The Plant Company prefers to take a simpler and more environmentally responsible approach. We believe the best organic option is The Plant Company organic fertiliser which is applied in spring and again in autumn and will keep them well fed. You can safely apply generous amounts of this fertiliser to plants without risk of injuring the plants. More details about this organic fertiliser are provided with the product.

What Is The Optimum Soil pH For Hydrangeas?

The soil pH refers to how acid of alkaline the soil is. Hydrangeas prefer a soil pH within the range of 6.2 to 7.5 which means they will tolerate both acidic and semi-alkaline soils. As the pH of the soil moves away from this optimum range, the nutrients the plant is taking up (or not taking up) through the roots changes. If the shift in pH is too far, this can result in deficiencies of some nutrients and toxic levels of others. In either case this can cause the plant to become sick or even die a slow death.

The best way to know whether the pH is correct for your plant is to do a test. The Plant Company has pH test kits available that are easy to use and only take a few minutes to get a result. Preferably this test should be completed before planting so any pH issues can be corrected without risking the plant. A pH less 6.2 should have sparing amounts of dolomite lime applied along with shrub fertiliser. A pH above 7.5 should have small amounts of soil acidifying fertiliser along with fertiliser for acid loving plants applied. In both instances the fertiliser should be thoroughly mixed into the soil before planting. A retest of the soil pH should be undertaken after four weeks and small adjustments made again. If the pH is in the optimum range, just use shrub fertiliser or fertiliser for acid loving plants thereafter.

Hydrangea General Information

This series of articles answer many of the frequently asked questions about Hydrangeas, such as how fast they grow, their hardiness, and more!

Are Hydranga And Hydrangea The Same?

Hydrangea is sometimes misspelt as Hydranga and if you fall into that boat, we still respect you! If you want to buy hydrangeas, The Plant Company offers a comprehensive range of Hydrangea varieties. These are amazing plants that are ready for their new home. Please rest assured that we only ship plants that we would happily buy and plant ourselves. Trust in The Plant Company to supply your Hydranga needs and allow us to impress you both with our quality and service. Our impressive Google Rating shows we are good at what we do!

Are Hydrangeas A Shrub?

Yes, most hydrangeas are shrubs! Most species grow to a height of 1-3 metres (3-10 feet) and have multiple woody stems. However, there are a few exceptions. Some hydrangeas can grow as climbing vines, such as the climbing hydrangea Hydrangea petiolaris. A few species, like the oakleaf hydrangea Hydrangea quercifolia, can grow into small trees. But overall, it's safe to say that hydrangeas are shrubs!

Do Hydrangeas Need Cold To Flower?

For most varieties the answer is no. Flowers are produced off new growth, so as long as the plants are actively growing, they should flower.

How Fast Do Hydrangeas Grow?

Hydrangeas are generally vigorous and establish quickly. Most will reach 75 cm tall and the same wide within the first growing season. They are usually pruned right back during winter to contain the plant and encourage the lush, new growth which also bears the flowers. If you don’t cut them back, they can grow to 2.5-3 m tall and the same wide. A good pair of secateurs is all you need to trim the growth.

How Tall Will My Hydrangea Grow?

Most Hydrangea varieties will reach between 2 m and 5 m tall (depending on the variety) if they are neither trimmed nor contained (as might occur if planted in a pot). The Plant Company has put a lot of effort into determining how big each variety will grow in an unrestricted growing environment. Far too often we see people planting a garden too densely and then having to spend a lot of time trimming or removing plants later. This is something we want our customers to avoid and we therefore provide size information for each variety listed so the planning can be right from the start. Be sure to check out our range and the detailed information that accompanies each of our Hydrangea varieties.

How To Dry Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are perfect for picking and drying as they hold their colour well when dry. To get the best results we recommend picking healthy stems with great flowers anytime from late summer through into autumn when the stems are woodier. Hang your picked Hydrangeas upside down in a dark room to preserve the colour better. Make sure the room is warm with plenty of ventilation to avoid mould issues. After 2-4 weeks they will be dry and ready to enjoy.

What Are The Different Flower Colours For Hydrangea?

Hydrangeas come in three basic colours: blue, white, and pink. Of course, hybrids differ in the shades, intensity of those colours, and some also have dual colouring. Those colours can be manipulated by using the soil pH for varieties that produce pink or blue flowers. Flower colour for white and cream flowering varieties cannot be altered. As a general rule, Hydrangeas will turn blue in acidic soils or pink in alkaline soils. The stronger the acidity or alkalinity, the more intense (i.e., darker) will be the colour. Please refer to How To Change The Hydrangea Flower Colour for specific information on changing the flower colour.

What Are The Different Types Of Hydrangea Flowers?

There are three types of Hydrangea flowers:

The most common are the ball shaped flowering varieties known as “mopheads” or French Hydrangeas. Some popular varieties of these include Bridal Bouquet, Annabelle, Bloody Marvellous, and Holstein. Their flowers are large and showy, which makes them a real standout.
The next type are the “lacecaps” which have flowers that have a somewhat flattened appearance overall and are made up tiny flowers that are both open and unopened. Some common and popular varieties of these are Libelle, Zaunkonig, Blaumeise, and Strawberries and Cream.
The final type are the varieties where the flowers are borne along a stem to give a cone-shaped structure. These are the paniculata varieties, with Limelight and Kyushu being very popular.

The Plant Company has a lot of Hydrangea varieties available to purchase. Each variety has loads of detail about the flowers and how they grow so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Enjoy our range!

What Is a Lacecap Hydrangea?

Lacecap hydrangeas are a type of hydrangea prized for their unique flower structure. The flowers are described at “flattened” with a central disc of florets (flower buds that don’t open) – known as the “lace”. The outer ring has open flowers that surround the inner florets. The display is both unusual and highly aesthetic.

What Is The Average Lifespan Of Hydrangeas?

The average lifespan of Hydrangeas is 10-20 years, but with proper care, they can live for up to 50 years or longer. Some factors that can affect their lifespan include:

Variety: Some varieties of hydrangeas are more long-lived than others. For example, panicle hydrangeas Hydrangea paniculata are generally more long-lived than bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla).
Growing conditions: Hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. If they are planted in poor soil or exposed to too much sun or too much shade, their lifespan can be hastened.
Care: Hydrangeas need regular watering and feeding. They should also be pruned regularly to encourage new growth and flowering.

When Do Hydrangeas Flower?

Hydrangeas flower from late spring through until early autumn. The petals do not fall off the flowers as occurs with most other plants. Rather they will often darken in colour and then fade to brown. The flowers on some varieties such as Bridal Bouquet will often develop pink tones as they age even though the flowers are white.

Aged flowers can make the plants less appealing, and The Plant Company recommends removing spent flowers using secateurs. It is worth noting that flowers are produced on new seasons’ growth. Therefore, pruning a plant in winter does not mean you’ll miss out on flowers the next summer.

Where Are Hydrangeas Native To?

Hydrangeas are native to two continents: Asia and the Americas. Most species are found in Asia, with a notable concentration in China, Korea, and Japan. Here's a more detailed breakdown of the distribution of Hydrangea species:

Asia: Over 70 species of Hydrangea are native to Asia, making it the genus's centre of diversity. The greatest concentration of species is found in eastern Asia, particularly in China, Korea, and Japan. Some notable examples include Hydrangea macrophylla (bigleaf hydrangea), native to Japan; Hydrangea serrata (mountain hydrangea), native to Japan, China, and Korea; and Hydrangea paniculata (panicle hydrangea), native to eastern Asia.
The Americas: Around 25 species of Hydrangea are native to the Americas, primarily found in North and South America. Some notable examples include Hydrangea arborescens (smooth hydrangea), native to eastern North America; Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf hydrangea), native to southeastern North America; and Hydrangea paniculata var. grandiflora (peegee hydrangea), a cultivar developed from a native North American species.
Naturalized Regions: Hydrangea species have been widely cultivated around the world and have become naturalized in some regions outside their native range. For instance, Hydrangea macrophylla is naturalized in parts of Europe and North America, while Hydrangea paniculata is naturalized in New Zealand and Australia.

If you are looking for a particular variety of Hydrangea, check out The Plant Company’s impressive range in the link.

Which Hydrangea Grows The Fastest?

The fastest-growing hydrangea varieties are the panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata). These hydrangeas flower prolifically, even after heavy pruning, and include:

Hydrangea 'Limelight' - This hydrangea produces large, cone-shaped panicles of lime green flowers that turn white and then pink as they age.
Hydrangea 'Kyushu' - This hydrangea blooms earlier than most other panicle hydrangeas, with flowers that start out white and then turn to shades of pink.
Hydrangea paniculata 'Grandiflora' - This hydrangea produces large, white flowers that can be up to 45 cm long.

Some other fast-growing hydrangeas include:

Smooth hydrangeas such as Hydrangea 'Annabelle' - These hydrangeas produce large, flat-topped clusters of white flowers.
Oakleaf hydrangeas Hydrangea quercifolia - These hydrangeas produce cone-shaped panicles of white flowers that turn pink or burgundy in autumn.

More Hydrangea varieties can be found in the impressive range that The Plant Company has.

Hydrangea Problems

Hydrangeas do have disease issues and other problems from time to time. Therefore, it is important to understand the underlying issue(s) and have the remedies to fix the problem. The Plant Company have produced this series of articles to help you in the quest for answers to address common Hydrangea problems and diseases.

How Do I Stop Hydrangea Leaves Getting Sunburnt?

Sunburn can happen from time to time with Hydrangeas and some varieties are more sensitive than others. Often this results when the weather has been cool and overcast for a few days, then suddenly turns hot and bright. The result is bronzed or discoloured leaves due to the leaf pigments have being damaged by the bright light. There are no easy solutions for plants grown in full sun aside from making sure plants are conditioned to bright light conditions before they are planted. That is, don’t take a plant grown in moderate shade and put it straight into a mid-summer environment without giving it some short exposure to bright light first. Also make sure plants are not stressed with water and the like during those hot and bright days as that can also make them more vulnerable.

Varieties known to be prone to sunburn are perhaps better planted in a partial shade position. Irrespective, any sunburn is a temporary issue only as the plant will adapt and continue to grow.

What Are The Common Hydrangea Diseases?

The most common disease problems with Hydrangeas are botrytis and mildews in wet or humid climates. These diseases can become more prevalent when the plants are under stress, as might occur from nutrient deficiencies or high shade levels. They show up as leaf yellowing and a mottled colouring on the leaf. A general fungicide will fix this problem easily but not cure it. The Plant Company recommends that plants are pruned each winter and have good air movement to minimise fungal disease issues in the first instance.

In water-logged soils the root rot disease, Phytopthora, can attack the roots and cause plant death. The symptoms are yellowing and blackening of the stems and leaves. The only solution to this issue is good drainage. The plant should be cut right back using secateurs and the pruned material disposed of or burnt.

Nutritional issues can occur from time to time if plants have not been fed for a number of years. This often shows up as discoloured foliage which over time will show dead areas on the leaf. A liquid fertiliser can be used to correct issues quickly and should be supported with shrub fertiliser during spring.

What Are The Common Hydrangea Pests?

Aphids and red spider mites have been known to host on some Hydrangea varieties. Their presence can often be shown up by leaf yellowing. Checking the back of the leaves is the best way to find them. If damage or pest levels are high and of concern, then a general insecticide can be used for their control. Remember that plants will be pruned back in winter so they will also be removed at this time. Please always read the label before using any agrichemical.

What Causes Hydrangea Leaves To Yellow?

Leaf yellowing can result from pest and disease issues (refer relevant sections for each) or more likely due to either poor drainage or too much shade. A sign of poor drainage is often seen by the older leaves exhibiting leaf scorching and a gradual yellowing of the leaf overall. If the internal leaves of the plant are yellowing, yet the outer leaves remain green, it is highly likely that they are being shaded by the outer leaves. Such yellowing in this instance is normal.

Occasionally, nutritional issues can occur if plants have not been fed for a number of years. This often shows up as discoloured foliage. A liquid fertiliser can be used to correct issues quickly and should be supported with shrub fertiliser during spring.

What To Do About Hydrangea Frost Damage

If the new growth on your Hydrangea has been killed or damaged by frost, prune the plant back to healthy wood above a bud after the risk of frost has passed. If a plant has been aggressively pruned in a cold climate and an unseasonal frost is forecast, frost cloth or a blanket may be used to afford protection. It is important not to cut off the frosted growth until the risk has passed as this growth, albeit ugly, is helping to shield the plant from further damage.

New shoots tend to be more prone to frost damage than older ones. For this reason, The Plant Company does not recommend applying fertiliser of any kind to plants between mid-autumn and late-winter as this can create softer shoots when the buds open.

Why Do My Hydrangeas Keep Dying?

There are many reasons why your Hydrangeas might be dying:

Improper watering: Hydrangeas need regular watering, but they don't like to sit in sodden soil. Water your hydrangeas deeply, but infrequently, and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Too much sun or shade: Hydrangeas prefer partial sun, meaning they should receive a few hours of direct sunlight each day. If your hydrangeas are planted in full sun, they may be getting too much sun and their leaves may scorch. If your hydrangeas are planted in too much shade, they may not flower well.
Poor drainage: Hydrangeas need well-drained soil. If your soil is too heavy or clay-like, it may not drain well enough and the roots of your hydrangeas may rot. To improve drainage, you can amend your soil with compost or sand.
Pests and diseases: Hydrangeas are susceptible to aphids, scale insect, and powdery mildew. Inspect your hydrangeas regularly for pests and diseases and treat them promptly if you find any.
Winter damage: If you live in a very cold climate, your hydrangeas may need to be protected from winter damage.

Hydrangea Propagation

Propagating Hydrangeas is a relatively straightforward process when you have the right advice. They are easily rooted, and our articles give you the best chance of doing this successfully and efficiently.

Can You Take Hydrangea Cuttings In Winter?

Winter is one of the best times for taking Hydrangea cuttings. The secret to success is to use rooting hormone and bottom heat. Without lifting the temperature while the cuttings root, they will often succumb to rot. Further, placing them in a well-drained media is key as anything that holds too much water will also cause rot. A cutting taken in winter will generally develop roots inside of 3-4 weeks.

Do Hydrangea Cuttings Root In Water?

The general answer to this question is they do not root well in water. In fact, they are more likely to rot than sprout roots. The Plant Company has tried this method and can speak competently to say this is a waste of time with the success rate less than 5%. Even changing the water every day made little difference in our experiment. If you want to be successful with cuttings, place them in a well-drained media, mist the leaves, apply bottom heat, and make sure the media is not too wet.

How Do You Grow Hydrangeas From Cuttings?

Hydrangeas are easily propagated from stem cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings or hardwood cuttings are usually taken from autumn until mid-spring. A stem about 10 cm long is trimmed into a cutting using secateurs with 2-3 leaves at the top and just below a node. NB: a hardwood cutting generally has no leaves. A nick is taken off the base of the cutting to expose more tissue. The cutting is dipped in rooting hormone for 5-10 seconds and then inserted into propagation growing media. The tray of cuttings is placed under mist with bottom heat also applied. The cuttings will have taken root inside of eight weeks as a general rule. That said, hardwood cuttings can take a little longer.

Hydrangea Varieties & Recommendations

Choosing a Hydrangea that works for you can be challenging given the sheer number that are available. Working through the different varieties, the flower colours and types, how big the plants grow, and so on, can take considerable time. The Plant Company’s series of short articles aims to offer concise and easy to follow advice and recommendations so you can determine the variety for your needs.

Hydrangea Bridal Bouquet Information

Hydrangea 'Bridal Bouquet' is a popular variety of hydrangea due to its large and showy, white flowers. The ‘mophead’ flowers are produced through summer and autumn and are complemented with lush, dark green leaves. This affords a wonderful colour contrast. It grows as a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub with a rounded form, to about 1.2 metres tall and wide. It prefers a full sun or partial shade position with a well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

Hydrangea 'Bridal Bouquet' is a versatile plant that can be used in various ways:

As part of a mixed planting,
In containers or pots,
As an informal hedge,
As a backdrop for smaller plants, or,
In a white or cottage garden.

Hydrangea Candlelight Characteristics

Hydrangea 'Candlelight' is a stunning and award-winning variety of hydrangea due to its beautiful and colourful flowers. Some of its key characteristics include:

The Candlelight hydrangea boasts large, cone-shaped flower heads that start as cream-white and gradually age to a soft pink. These blooms, aptly named, resemble lit candles.
This hydrangea is a long bloomer, gracing your garden with its beauty from mid-summer to autumn.
It has large and lush, green leaves that complement the blooms perfectly. In autumn, the leaves turn a vibrant yellow, adding another layer of interest to the plant.
This hydrangea grows as a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub with a rounded form. It typically reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 1-1.3 metres.
It thrives in full sun or partial shade, and prefers a well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soil. It is also hardy to cool climates, frost, and short periods of drought.

This versatile hydrangea can be used in various ways in your garden. It is a great choice for mixed borders, informal hedges, container planting, or simply as a stunning focal point. It can also be dried and used in winter arrangements. With its beautiful flowers, interesting colour changes, and easy-care nature, the Hydrangea 'Candlelight' is a popular choice for gardeners of all levels.

Hydrangea Paniculata Annabelle Information

Hydrangea 'Annabelle' is a popular variety of hydrangea due to its large and showy blooms. It features flower clusters that start green, mature to a stunning white, and then transition to a soft green in late summer. The flower heads can reach up to 25 cm in diameter. The plant grows to about 90-150 cm tall and 120-180 cm wide. It thrives in full sun or dappled shade and requires a well-drained, moist soil.

Hydrangea 'Annabelle' is a versatile shrub that makes for an amazing to various landscaping projects. Some common uses include:

Adding to mixed plantings: Plant it alongside other flowering shrubs or perennials for a stunning display of colour and texture.
Specimen plant: Showcase its large blooms as a focal point.
Informal Hedge: Create a beautiful and low-maintenance flowering hedge.
Containers: It can be grown on a patio or balcony in a large pot and keeping it contained with trimming.

Hydrangea Renate Steiniger Information

Hydrangea 'Renate Steiniger' is a popular variety due to its vibrant blue flowers and attractive form. The large and showy mophead flowers are produced from summer to autumn above the lush, dark green foliage. It grows as a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub with a rounded shape to about 1.2-1.5 m tall and wide. It thrives in full sun to partial shade but does requires a well-drained, fertile soil that does not dry out.

Hydrangea 'Renate Steiniger' is great for adding to mixed plantings, growing in containers, using in cottage gardens, or planting around outdoor living areas. If you're looking for a beautiful and relatively low-maintenance flowering shrub, the Hydrangea ‘Renate Steiniger’ could be a perfect addition to your garden.

Hydrangea Strawberries And Cream Information

Hydrangea 'Strawberries and Cream' is a lacecap variety of hydrangea that features brightly coloured flower heads. The flowers are a combination of bright pink and white, and are produced during summer and early autumn. They sit perfectly with the dark green foliage. It grows as a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub to about 1.2 meters tall and the same wide. It is commonly added to a mixed planting, maintained in a container, included in a cottage garden, or planted around an outdoor living area. It also makes for a beautiful, informal hedge.

Pee Wee Hydrangea Information

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee' is a compact and colourful variety of the Oakleaf Hydrangea. It features large, cream-white flowers with a cluster of tiny florets at the centre. These are produced during summer and autumn, and they age to a beautiful antique pink. The leaves are large and resemble oak leaves (hence the name Oakleaf Hydrangea). As autumn progresses the leaves turn a stunning display of crimson, burgundy, and wine-purple shades. It grows compactly to about 80 cm tall and wide after about 5 years. This deciduous shrub grows with a rounded form and prefers a full sun to partial shade position. It does requires a well-drained, fertile soil that does not dry out.

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee' is great for adding to mixed plantings, growing in containers, using in cottage gardens, or planting around outdoor living areas. If you're looking for a beautiful and relatively low-maintenance flowering shrub, this Hydrangea could be a perfect addition to your garden.

What Are Some Common Climbing Hydrangeas?

The two most popular Climbing Hydrangeas are Hydrangea seemanii and Hydrangea petiolaris.

Hydrangea seemanii: This is a stunning and lush, evergreen climber that will add a touch of elegance to your garden. It has large, dark green leaves that become adorned with masses of white lacecap flowers during summer and autumn. It is a vigorous climber that can reach 8-12 meters tall.

Hydrangea petiolaris: This deciduous climber produces large clusters of white, lacecap flowers from mid-summer. The leaves are heart-shaped and dark green leaves with serrated edges. They turn golden yellow in autumn before falling. This vigorous vine can reach 10-15m tall and will climb using aerial rootlets on the stems.

What Are Some Dwarf Hydrangeas In NZ?

NZ has a number of dwarf hydrangeas, that is, varieties that don’t grow taller than 1 m. Some of the most popular options along with their heights are presented below:

What Are Some Oakleaf Hydrangea Varieties?

The most common Oakleaf hydrangeas in NZ are presented below:

They all feature beautiful white flowers that are both large and showy. Similarly, these deciduous shrubs also have elegant green foliage which develops colourful shades in yellow and purple in autumn before falling.

What Are Some Popular Pink Hydrangeas?

There are a number of popular, pink flowering Hydrangeas and these are listed below. If you follow the link for each one, you can learn about their characteristics in greater detail. The Plant Company considers the varieties ‘Bloody Marvellous’ and ‘Mrs Kumiko’ as the two best varieties (in our opinion!)

What Are Some Popular Purple Hydrangeas?

There are a number of popular, purple flowering Hydrangeas and these are listed below. If you follow the link for each one, you can learn about their characteristics in greater detail.

What Are The Popular White Hydrangea Varieties In NZ?

There are many beautiful white hydrangea varieties available in New Zealand, each with its own unique charm. Here are a few popular options to consider:

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle': A similar variety to the macrophylla 'Annabelle', but with a more tree-like growth habit. This hydrangea can reach up to 3m tall and wide, making it a great choice for larger gardens or as a specimen plant. The flowers are just as impressive as the macrophylla variety, offering large, white blooms that bloom from mid-summer to early autumn.
Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight': This popular panicle hydrangea produces long, cone-shaped flower clusters that start lime green and mature to a creamy white. The flowers bloom from early summer to autumn, adding a touch of elegance to any garden. 'Limelight' is also known for its tolerance to sun and drought, making it a low-maintenance option.
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Libelle': This stunning lacecap hydrangea features large, flat flowerheads with a ring of showy sterile florets surrounding a center of smaller fertile florets. The flowers open white and can take on a hint of green or blue as they mature. 'Libelle' is a versatile variety that thrives in both sun and shade.
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bridal Bouquet': This compact hydrangea is perfect for smaller gardens or container planting. It produces delicate, cup-shaped flowers that open cream to white and bloom from early summer to autumn. 'Bridal Bouquet' is tolerant of both sun and shade, but prefers moist, well-drained soil.

When choosing a white hydrangea, consider the amount of sun and shade the plant will receive, the size of your garden, and your personal preferences. With so many beautiful varieties to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect hydrangea in our range of Hydrangea varieties.

What Hydrangeas Are In The Plant Company’s Database?

The list of Hydrangea varieties that The Plant Company has cataloged, worked on, propagated, and marketed is extensive. Our database of Hydrangea varieties is listed below:

What Is The Difference Between Hydrangea Macrophylla And Hydrangea Serrata?

Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea serrata are popular flowering shrubs, but they have some key differences to consider when choosing the right one for your garden:

Flowering - Macrophylla varieties produce either mophead (rounded) or lacecap (flat with a prominent centre of florets) flowers in various colours (blue, pink, purple, white). Serrata produces lacecap flowers that are usually blue, pink, or purple. - Macrophylla flowers in mid-summer to early autumn while Serrata flowers in early to mid-summer.

Plant Size: - Macrophylla geneally grows larger, reaching 1.2-2 m tall and wide while Serrata tends to be compact at 1-1.2 m tall and wide.

Foliage: - Macrophylla have large and glossy leaves with prominent veins while Serrata has thinner and serrated leaves.

Hardiness: - Both can tolerate heavy frost and periods of dry once established. - Both prefer full sun or partial shade, though Serrata tolerates slightly more shade.

Landscaping With Hydrangeas

These short articles provide some insight into how you might use Hydrangea plants in different situations and what you might pair them with.

What Are Some Design Ideas For Hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas owe their popularity to not just their aesthetics, but also to their versatility. They are commonly planted as informal hedges and included in mixed plantings where their beautiful flowers and foliage can be enjoyed. They are well suited to planting around living areas and barbecue areas where they provide both a fresh and colourful display. Often they are used as a stunning backdrop to smaller plants and more recently are being maintained in large pots. The lush foliage is fantastic for providing a hint of the tropics and adding both depth and texture to a planting. They can be included in most garden styles with ease and make for an exciting addition. Explore our range of Hydrangea varieties to find the ones(s) that will suit your design needs!

What Are Some Hydrangea Variety Recommendations?

The Plant Company has a wide range of Hydrangea varieties and the choice depends on the what the plant is to be used for. The most common uses are: informal hedging (i.e., not trimmed), growing in a pot, using in cottage gardens, or for planting around outdoor living areas.

The Plant Company recommends the following varieties based on their popularity and suitability for different uses: - Informal Hedging: Bridal Bouquet, Annabelle, Princess Juliana, and Trophy. - Growing in a container: You Me Together, Annabelle, You Me Passion, and Pink Bouquet. - Cottage gardens: Annabelle, Limelight, Kyushu, and Princess Juliana. - Outdoor living areas: Bloody Marvellous, Strawberries and Cream, and Bridal Bouquet.

Be sure to check out The Plant Company’s amazing range of Hydrangea varieties to find the one(s) that will suit your needs.

What Plants Can be Grown With Hydrangeas?

A wide range of plants can be grown with Hydrangeas. However, if they are grown on an acidic soil for to achieve a blue coloured flower, it makes sense to plant other acid loving plants with them. These include Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Camellias, and Pieris. Heuchera, Cerastium, and carpet roses are often used as groundcovers. Collectively, these plants are grown so the flower colours complement each other in a soft and subtle manner without clashing. At the same time, the size of the plants is considered to get a layered garden with interesting texture. This is where the Heuchera, Cerastium, or carpet roses really add considerable value. Lavenders are also well suited to planting between Hydrangeas but can look a little bare during winter when both these along with the Hydrangeas are pruned back.

On an alkaline soil, Heuchera and Cerastium are often used as groundcovers. They are often complemented with Lavenders, Mexican Orange Blossoms, or Hebes.

Planting And Growing Hydrangeas

Planting Hydrangeas and getting them to grow well is generally easy when you get a few of the basics right. This involves planting them in the right soil type, choosing the most ideal planting position, selecting the best variety, and ensuring the plants have the essentials to thrive. The Plant Company has the right advice to ensure success when you are growing Hydrangeas.

Are Hydrangeas Easy To Grow?

Hydrangeas are very easy to grow, but you need to have the basics right. Choose a sunny spot with good drainage. The soil should be well prepared with organic matter added from either compost or sheep pellets mixed in. Feeding your plants in spring with shrub fertiliser or fertiliser for acid loving plants will replenish nutrients and keep them fed for 12 months. Prune your Hydrangea in winter each year with secateurs to control their growth and encourage fresh growth in spring. They should also be watered regularly during dry periods to keep them flourishing.

Can Hydrangeas Be Grown In Coastal Environments?

Hydrangeas are not well suited to coastal areas as the sea spray and coastal winds tend to damage the lush foliage. Additionally, saline soils will prove detrimental to plants and can result in their death. If you elect to plant in this environment, ensure the soil is well prepared with organic matter such as compost and provide both shelter and regular watering.

Can Hydrangeas Grow In Full Shade?

The answer to whether Hydrangeas can grow in full shade depends on how much shade. As shade levels increase, Hydrangeas tend to become “leggy” and flowering is often reduced. In full sun they tend to be much more compact in their growth. So yes, they will grow in partial shaded conditions such as down the side of a house or under dappled light from a tree, but growth and flowering performance is likely to be less than if they were growing in better light. Please note that in partially shaded environments the central leaves on the plant will often yellow and fall which can result in a plant that has mostly exterior foliage only.

Please note: full sun is equivalent to six hours of sun per day. Partial shade is 2-6 hours of direct sun. Full shade would be dappled light from a tree or being grown in a pot indoors with only indirect light.

Can Hydrangeas Grow In Full Sun?

Yes, is the short answer. Some articles say that Hydrangeas should only be planted in partial shade conditions which just isn’t true. In full sun, plants tend to be more compact and will produce amazing flowers. That said, some varieties can be sensitive to sun burn which can cause variation in the leaf colourings and a bronzing of the leaves. In New Zealand this is rarely a significant issue but can occur nonetheless with sudden changes in light conditions. More importantly, plants can be damaged if they are moved from a shaded area to a full sun position without any conditioning to the brighter light levels. A tell-tale sign here is bleaching or browning of the upper and exterior leaves.

Can You Grow Hydrangeas In Pots?

Absolutely, and they look amazing when managed appropriately. Choose a pot that is no more than twice the size of what the Hydrangea is currently growing in and that has plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the bottom of the pot to about 1/3 of the way up with potting mix. Do not use soil or compost when growing plants in a container and do not add fertiliser. The Plant Company potting mix has all the nutrients required to sustain the plant for the next 12 months.

Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. Place the plant in the hole without removing any of the growing media or cutting the roots. You can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. If the roots have been circling the inside of the pot or they look totally root bound, you don’t need to cut them (refer to, Managing Rootbound Plants, for why we don’t cut them). Add more potting mix and firm this around the plant using gentle pressure, then water well. They should be watered twice a week during hot weather and weekly or fortnightly during cooler periods.

The key to having an amazing Hydrangea in a pot is to both keep it fed correctly and not to over-water it. Over-watering is the most common reason Hydrangeas fail.

Can You Plant A Hydrangea Next To A House?

You can plant Hydrangeas next to your house, but there are some things to consider to ensure their success and avoid potential issues:

Pros of planting hydrangeas next to your house: - Hydrangeas add vibrant colors and texture to your house exterior. - Larger varieties can provide privacy and block unwanted views from windows. - Butterflies, bees, and small birds are drawn to hydrangeas, adding a touch of life and biodiversity.

Cons to consider: - Some hydrangea varieties prefer full or partial sun, which might be limited by your house shade, especially on the north side. - Hydrangeas may compete with your house foundation for water and nutrients, potentially causing problems with both. - Hydrangeas are susceptible to certain pests and diseases, which can be more problematic near the house if they spread to other plants.

How Do I Plant A Hydrangea?

Choose a full sun position with good drainage and moderate shelter for your Hydrangea plant. The hole should be dug to at least 50-75% deeper and wider than the container the plant is currently growing in. A planting spade makes the hole digging a lot easier. The Plant Company recommends incorporating compost or sheep pellets into the soil to provide additional organic material, but this is not essential. Do not put fertiliser in the bottom of the hole, rather spread that on the soil surface after planting, and preferably do this when the plant is actively growing in spring.

Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag or container, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots have been growing in a circle or are all bound up you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. Similarly, you don’t need to remove any of the growing media. The Plant Company does not recommend cutting the roots, even if the plant is root-bound as this offers no benefit. This is explained in our article, Managing Rootbound Plants.

Now place the plant in the hole and make sure it is level with the soil surface before filling in around it. If it is above the soil surface, dig more out. If it is below, put in more soil and retest the level. Once the plant is set level with the soil surface, add more soil gradually and firm it around the plant using gentle pressure as you go. Scatter shrub fertiliser across the soil surface after planting and the give the plant a good watering.

How To Grow An Informal Hydrangea Hedge?

Hydrangeas make amazing informal hedges (i.e., minimally trimmed) and to create an outstanding hedge, space plants 50-100 cm apart. The faster you want the hedge to fill in, the closer they should be planted. Similarly, space plants closely if you want a dense hedge quickly (50 cm apart).

Variety selection is very important as not all varieties grow as tall as each other. Check out our range of Hydrangea varieties to make sure you get the right one. The Plant Company has taken great care to provide accurate information and detail about how each one grows. The varieties often used for informal hedges are Bridal Bouquet, Annabelle, Princess Juliana, and Trophy.

It is important to understand that the hedge is generally pruned in winter with up to 75% of the stems removed to keep the plants fresh and contained. Therefore, if you want a low hedge, prune the plants more aggressively in winter. Please note that Hydrangeas are not suited to formal hedging as the foliage is too large and would look unsightly with regular trimming. Moreover, the flowers are produced on new growth so they could be cut off each time the hedge is trimmed.

How To Mulch Around Hydrangeas

Placing mulch around Hydrangeas helps keep the soil moist and significantly reduces weeds. The Plant Company recommends an organic mulch is used as this breaks down over time to provide nutrients and improves the soil. It is also better for the environment than the plastic based alternatives. Whatever type of mulch is used, it needs to be free draining so the soil can “breathe” and allow water to penetrate quickly and easily. Heavy rates of lawn clippings are therefore not a good option as they hold too much moisture. The Plant Company has two very good options for mulch. The first is coco fibre matting which is made from the husks of coconuts. It breaks down to become part of the soil within two years. The second is the black plastic matting which will last 20 years or more. In both instances we recommend stones, bark chip, or other similar products be spread over top of the mulch for aesthetic purposes.

Compost is not considered an effective mulch as weeds germinate easily and it is only short lasting. It is, however, a very good method of adding organic matter to the soil and should be applied before the mulch is put down.

What Is The Best Soil For Growing Hydrangeas?

Soils rich in fertility and organic matter that are well-drained and slightly acidic will produce amazing plants. The soil should be well prepared with either compost or sheep pellets mixed in at planting or spread on the soil surface after planting. It is important that the soil being planted into won’t restrict root growth and for this reason, clay soils are generally not well suited to Hydrangeas. Clay soils also tend to be very wet which will negatively impact the performance of the plant.

Feeding your Hydrangea plants in spring with shrub fertiliser will replenish nutrients and keep them fed for 12 months. Liberal amounts of organic fertiliser can also be used. Keep watering plants regularly during dry periods to keep them flourishing.

What Is The Best Soil For Hydrangeas Grown In A Pot?

Only potting mix should be used when plants are grown in a container. Often people will try and cut corners and use soil or mixes that contain both soil and potting mix with poor results. The same applies to when plants are potted up with compost as it holds too much moisture. Soil also contains weeds and tends to become compacted in a container, hence why it is not used in this manner. The Plant Company supplies nursery grade potting media which is pre-loaded with the correct amounts of fertiliser and micro-nutrients to keep the plant sustained with nutrition and actively growing for the next 12-months. After 12-months, simply add a couple fertiliser tablets to keep the plant fed for the next 12-months.

What Is The Best Time To Plant Hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas are best planted from mid-autumn until late spring. During this time, they can cope with the stresses associated with planting (root damage mainly) more easily than if they have to also cope with heat and moisture stress as well. They can be planted in summer provided they are well-watered, and the roots have plenty of growing media attached when planted. If watering is a challenge, we advise late-autumn through until early-spring for planting. Make sure you have a good planting spade to make this job a lot easier.

Where Do Hydrangeas Grow Best?

A full sun or partial shade position with good drainage is essential for getting the best results with Hydrangeas. On poorly drained sites or with over-watering they tend to become stunted and sickly looking. As shade levels increase, Hydrangeas tend to become “leggy” and flowering is often reduced. In full sun they tend to be much more compact in their growth. The position should also be moderately sheltered so fresh growth is not damaged by wind and this will help produce a better shaped plant overall. Being deciduous, they are tolerant of frost and cool climates. High humidity can cause disease issues, particularly if there is no airflow, so planting in these environments should be avoided. Wherever they are grown, make sure that they will not dry out during summer, and they have plenty of room to expand.

Watering Hydrangeas

Watering Hydrangea correctly is an important part of growing amazing plants. Importantly, making sure your Hydrangea gets enough water without being over-watered is paramount. Our articles provide advice and guidance on this subject.

When Should I Water My Hydrangea Plant?

Hydrangeas are lush plants, and the foliage requires good soil moisture during dry periods to stay fresh and keep growing actively. The Plant Company recommends a generous watering every day, or every second day if the soil is a bit heavier during summer. If the flowers or young stems start to droop, you need to water immediately. The Plant Company advises watering in the morning or in the evening for water conservation purposes. Please note that some varieties will wilt on very hot days even if they have been well-watered. This is normal and only temporary. You can mist them with water to cool them if you are concerned.

Hydrangea NZ

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