Hydrangea: Summer-Long Color and More
No other group of shrubs we know has undergone such a transformation in recent years as Hydrangeas. For generations, Hydrangeas had languished as dependable, if unexciting, shrubs whose large, pale flower heads provided useful filler for the midsummer garden. Then in 2003, a Midwestern plant breeder introduced Endless Summer, a compact, Bigleaf Hydrangea that bears glorious puffs of blue-edged pink blossoms from early summer right through into fall — for six full months in mild-weather regions. Exceptionally hardy, Endless Summer grows and blooms reliably from zone 4 through 9 – all the way from Minneapolis to Houston.
Fortunately, innovation hasn’t affected the long-lived durability of Hydrangeas, which, depending on the type, adapt well to conditions ranging from shade to full sun. This, plus the bold textures of their foliage and their prolonged season of bloom makes Hydrangeas ideal shrubs for structuring and enclosing a summer garden. The flowers and foliage age gracefully, too, taking on rosy tints that make them one of the great, if melancholy pleasures of autumn.
Hydrangea: How to Care for Your Plant
This variable group is beloved for its delicate clusters of papery flowers, borne between July and September depending on the variety. Some types are shrubby while others are more treelike; all bring a stately, old-fashioned feel to the landscape. Most grow quite quickly under good culture and live a long period of time. Hydrangea macrophylla flowers on old wood, and so must carry its flower buds through the winter. Early or late freezes may damage flower buds, and these buds also have a low survival rate in colder climates.
Light/Watering
Most varieties thrive in full sun in the North, but in the South require afternoon shade, and H. serrata ‘Blue Billow’ prefers full to part shade everywhere. Moist soils that do not dry out are best; do not plant in hot, dry, exposed sites. Mulch to conserve moisture and buffer soil temperatures.
Fertilizer/Soil and pH
Fertilize once in spring with a formulation for acid-loving plants. Soils should be moist but well-drained, and rich in organic matter. In some varieties (H. macrophylla and H. serrata), flower color is determined by the pH of the soil. At low pH (acid soils) flowers will be blue and at higher pH, flowers will be pink. Generally, a pH below 5.0 results in deep, vivid blues and as the pH rises the flowers range from blue to lavender to mauve to a vivid deep pink at pH 7.0 (neutral). The pH determines the availability of aluminum in the soil. This element is more readily available in acid soils, and this availability results in the blue flower color. Since phosphorus ties up aluminum in soils, using a fertilizer low in this nutrient will aid in attaining blue flowers. If pink flowers are desired and your soil is acid, simply add lime to raise the pH and use a balanced fertilizer. Aluminum sulfate will lower pH if blue flowers are desired.
Pests/Diseases
None serious. Occasionally powdery mildew will infect the foliage, especially in humid areas with poor air circulation. Treat with an appropriate fungicide if the problem is serious, and be sure to rake up and destroy all fallen foliage in the autumn.
Companions
Old-fashioned tawny Daylilies are a classic combination with the PeeGee or Tree Hydrangea (H. paniculata ‘Grandiflora’). Astilbes and Oriental Lilies in shades of rose, pink, and white are lovely with the shrubby Hydrangeas.
Pruning
The pruning of Hydrangea shrubs varies by variety, as some flower on old wood and some on new. Remove the flowering stems of H. serrata ‘Blue Billow’, ‘Fuji Waterfall’, ‘Miranda’, ‘Pretty Maiden’, and ‘Preziosa’, H. macrophylla ‘Big Daddy’ and ‘Nikko Blue’, and H. quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea) soon after bloom in late summer before buds are set for next season (spring pruning would remove next year’s flowers). Remove deadwood on these varieties as new growth emerges in the spring. Because they flower on the current season’s growth, H. paniculata ‘Tardiva’, H. p. ‘Grandiflora’ (PeeGee), H. p. ‘Limelight’, H. ‘Pink Diamond’, and H. arborescens ‘Annabelle’ are best pruned in late winter to early spring. Most gardeners cut stems of ‘Annabelle’ all the way to the ground to keep plants compact. Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ (PeeGee Hydrangea) and ‘Pink Diamond’ should also be pruned at this time to maintain their single stem, small tree form. Climbing Hydrangea (H. anomala petiolaris) should be pruned as needed after bloom.
Reflowering
Regularly deadheading the blooms of H. macrophylla Endless Summer™ and H. m. Blushing Bride™ helps encourage repeat bloom on the current year’s growth. You may cut the first flowering stems of H. arborescens ‘Annabelle’ and hang to dry for arrangements; rebloom may then occur in August or September.
Transplanting
Young plants may be transplanted when dormant in early spring. It is difficult to move larger tree-form varieties once established, but it can be done. Prune top growth after transplanting to reduce water loss.
End-of-Season Care
Rake up and destroy any fallen foliage infected by powdery mildew or other fungi. You may wrap H. macrophylla varieties with burlap or other protective covering to help preserve flower buds through a cold winter.
Calendar of Care
Early Spring
Prune Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ back to the ground, and prune tree form HydrangeasHydrangeas now, removing lower suckers and up to half of the older top growth. Prune out any deadwood from all varieties. Check soil pH and adjust up or down if needed for desired flower color of H. macrophylla and H. serrata. Feed plants with a fertilizer for acid-lovers. Complete any transplanting before leaves unfurl.
Mid-Spring
Mulch plants after the soil has warmed for the season. This will help to conserve moisture and buffer soil temperatures. Watch for powdery mildew and treat as needed.
Summer
As soon as blooms fade, remove old flowering stems from of H. serrata ‘Blue Billow’, ‘Fuji Waterfall’, ‘Miranda’, ‘Pretty Maiden’, and ‘Preziosa’, H. macrophylla ‘Big Daddy’ and ‘Nikko Blue’, and H. quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea). Cut flowering stems from H. arborescens ‘Annabelle’ and hang to dry if desired.
Fall
Remove and destroy any fallen foliage infected by powdery mildew to prevent spreading. If desired, wrap H. macrophylla varieties with burlap or other material to help flower buds overwinter.
Varieties
Below is a sampling of the various varieties of hydrangeas carried by Meadows Farms. Please note that not all varieties are available at all locations. Therefore, please contact your local Meadows Farms retail branch for availability information.
Paniculata Varieties
Paniculata hydrangeas have a good reputation because of their large, cone-shaped flowers which usually start off white but in some varieties can turn to pink. These hydrangea are also more tolerant of sunlight than the macrophylla varieties. Of the paniculatas, the ‘Limelight’ hydrangea is the most well-known.