💐 How to Grow Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are one of the most beloved landscape shrubs, with enormous flower clusters in white, pink, blue, and purple. Bloom color on some types depends on soil pH: acidic = blue, alkaline = pink.
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Family: Hydrangeaceae · Type: Shrub
Hydrangeas are one of the most beloved landscape shrubs, with enormous flower clusters in white, pink, blue, and purple. Bloom color on some types depends on soil pH: acidic = blue, alkaline = pink.
Bigleaf hydrangeas: Zones 5–9. Panicle hydrangeas: Zones 3–8 (very cold-hardy). Smooth hydrangeas (Annabelle): Zones 3–9. Oakleaf: Zones 5–9.
How to Grow Hydrangea: Step-by-Step
- Bigleaf types: prune immediately after bloom — flower buds form in fall
- PeeGee/Annabelle types: prune in late winter/early spring
- Amend soil with aluminum sulfate to shift color toward blue
- Water deeply during heat — hydrangeas wilt dramatically but usually recover
- Mulch thickly to protect shallow roots and retain moisture
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Zone-by-Zone Growing Guide
Bigleaf hydrangeas: Zones 5–9. Panicle hydrangeas: Zones 3–8 (very cold-hardy). Smooth hydrangeas (Annabelle): Zones 3–9. Oakleaf: Zones 5–9.
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