How To Plant Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are lovely as single plants. They also work well planted in mass -- as shrubs or trees. They can be used as a border or as a hedge. With over 100 different species of hydrangea, in addition to many subspecies and cultivars, it is very difficult to give specific planting and growing instructions. Hydrangeas come in a wide variety of sizes, cold hardiness and flower types. The hydrangea that is probably most reminiscent of what grew in our grandparent's yards is the "Pee Gee Hydrangea." The flowers on this much-loved hydrangea are between six and eight inches long and make for a graceful shaped tree.

For detailed instructions on how to grow your hydrangeas indoors, pick up a copy of House Plant Secrets.  This handy guide covers hundreds of different types of plants.  

To plant hydrangeas outdoors:

1. If you are new to the world of hydrangeas, you can easily check out the appearance of different species online. This will familiarize you with the different kinds and varieties of hydrangea so that when you do go to purchase you will know what you are looking for. It is best to purchase hydrangeas that are in bloom. This will guarantee that you know exactly what you are getting and that you will be happy with it. If you are shopping for hydrangeas when they are not in bloom, only purchase ones that have a picture of the flower attached to it. If there is not a picture attached, ask an employee to show you a picture. If they cannot, you should probably go elsewhere to purchase your hydrangeas.
2. The best time of year to plant hydrangeas is in the autumn. However, you can plant hydrangeas that you have purchased from your local home and garden center at any time of the year. Take caution though, hydrangeas that are planted in the hottest part of the summer and the very early spring may not thrive.
3. When choosing a location for your hydrangeas, you should choose one that gets the morning sun and afternoon shade. You should avoid planting your hydrangea under trees. Your hydrangea will have to compete with the tree for moisture. The tree will probably keep your hydrangea from receiving the light it needs to thrive.
4. Hydrangeas love water. They prefer to be planted in soil that is very rich. To keep the soil moist, add organic matter to it.
5. You should dig your planting hole to twice the diameter of the hydrangea root ball. You should dig the hole so that once planted, the hydrangea will be at the same level in the ground as it was in its container.
6. Before you place your hydrangea into its hole, you should loosen the soil around the outside of the root ball. This will help the roots to spread more easily once it is planted.
7. Place your hydrangea into its hole. Backfill the hole with soil and pack it down with your foot. To rid the soil of air pockets you should water it well.
8. Add a layer of mulch to your newly planted hydrangea. This will help the soil to conserve moisture.
9. Fertilize in the spring, around May. Choose a slow-releasing fertilizer. If your hydrangea looks ill or distressed, do not fertilize it.
10. Spring is also the time when you should cut back old growth. Be careful that you do not cut off any new shoots.
11. You should also prune very late in the summer after the hydrangea has finished blooming. If your hydrangea starts to have too many flower clusters, you can thin the plant down.