Best Hydrangeas for Beginners to Grow (2024)

FAQs

Best Hydrangeas for Beginners to Grow? ›

Oakleaf varieties are the easiest type of hydrangeas for beginners to grow. Why are oakleaf hydrangeas so easy? They aren't picky! Oakleaf hydrangeas can tolerate colder weather, handle more sun, withstand drought, are more disease/pest resistant and grow in sandy soil better than other hydrangeas.

Oakleaf varieties are the easiest type of hydrangeas for beginners to grow. Why are oakleaf hydrangeas so easy? They aren't picky! Oakleaf hydrangeas can tolerate colder weather, handle more sun, withstand drought, are more disease/pest resistant and grow in sandy soil better than other hydrangeas.

Panicle hydrangeas are low-maintenance and fast-growing large deciduous shrubs that are hardy from Zones 3 to 8. They feature elongated, cone-shaped blooms in white or ivory that last from mid-Summer into Fall and often change colors with age, usually finishing with shades of pink.

With their beautiful blooms, relatively low maintenance requirements, and ability to thrive in different climates, hydrangeas are an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

So, when is the best time to plant hydrangeas? Aim for late spring, well after any danger of frost has passed, or early fall, when night temperatures usher in cooler air. If you garden in a region where the ground freezes, get plants into the ground at least six weeks prior to fall's first killing frost.

Hydrangeas should not be planted in USDA hardiness zones 1 and 2 as they won't be able to tolerate the colder climate. Hydrangeas also should not be planted under trees because there will be too much root competition and lack of sun for these plants to adequately thrive.

Hydrangeas grow well in gardens, but can also grow in pots. They need well draining soil that has a slightly acidic pH. If these are not the conditions in your garden, I urge you to try planting a hydrangea in a container.

Hydrangea is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth for only a few days. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and chest tightness. It's LIKELY UNSAFE to use more than 2 grams of dried hydrangea rhizome/root at a time.

Not all plants pair well with hydrangeas. Here are some combinations to avoid: Sunflower prefers full sun and hotter conditions than hydrangeas, which require some shade. Lavender is a sun-loving perennial that performs best in dry conditions and leaner soil, so will not thrive near hydrangeas.

Endless Summer^® The Original Bigleaf Hydrangea is a reblooming mophead hydrangea with classic Nantucket blue or soft pink flowers, depending on soil pH. Hardy from Zones 4-9, The Original provides season long, incredible color with its ability to bloom on last year's stems and this year's new growth.

What side of the house do you plant hydrangeas on? ›

The best place to plant hydrangeas is in a sheltered location with sunny mornings and shady afternoons. You often find this on the north or south side of your home. Avoid planting directly underneath trees, which can lead to competition for water and nutrients.

Because hydrangeas need so much water, the best time to plant them is in early spring or fall. It's hard to keep them healthy and hydrated if you plant in the heat of mid-summer. Most of ours were planted in mid-October, when it can get chilly!

The best place to plant the majority of Hydrangeas is going to be in a spot that has good drainage, morning sun, and afternoon shade. Hydrangeas can play many roles in your landscape. Most hydrangeas bloom in spring and summer depending on your growing zone. Some can reach heights of 15 feet or higher.

All parts of a hydrangea plant are toxic to dogs. Do not leave your dog alone in an area where hydrangeas are located. If your pup is showing signs of mild or severe toxicity, take them to an emergency vet clinic immediately.

The bush may not be mature enough to bloom. Most woody plants do not bloom when they are very young. A newly planted bush may bloom the first year if it set flower buds while it was confined to a pot, and then not bloom again for a year or two as it settles into the soil in its new location.

Panicle hydrangeas are cold hardy and drought tolerant

Panicle hydrangeas are not only the easiest hydrangeas to grow, but some newer varieties are also drought tolerant and quick growing. They can also range from dwarf varieties suitable for containers or entrance plantings to tall, single-trunked specimens.

Panicle hydrangeas are a fantastic choice for adding late-season interest to your garden. As other plants start to fade, panicle hydrangeas burst into bloom, stealing the spotlight with their showy panicles of flowers. Their long-lasting flowers persist well into the fall, extending the beauty of your garden.

The Limelight is considered one of the easiest hydrangea to grow, and it grows fast- really fast.