5 Hydrangeas To Plant This Fall (2024)

FAQs

What month is best to plant hydrangeas? ›

“The best time to plant hydrangeas is in the fall because the conditions are less harsh than in summer, and the plant has all winter to get its roots established,” says LeCompte. “Also, the plant has no leaves and will not be transpiring or losing moisture.”

Noyes says no matter which zone you are in, you may want to keep on the safe side and plant your hydrangea a bit after the last day of frost, and well before the first day of frost.

Where should you not plant hydrangeas? 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.

Few plants stand-out so spectacularly in the autumn garden as the panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata & its cultivars). Fall's cooler temperatures transform the flower colors of this species to create dynamic changes in the garden.

This is because hydrangeas love the warm morning sun, but they dislike the heat of the afternoon. 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.

The best location is one that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. If you live further north, they will tolerate more sun (possibly full sun all day). Consider mature size, give it plenty of room to grow. Choose an area with excellent drainage.

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.

Prune these hydrangeas only after bloom in the summer and not in the fall. Old wood hydrangeas start developing their bloom buds for next year in August and September. If you don't prune your hydrangeas real soon, then it is better to wait until next year. Otherwise you won't have any blooms next spring.

If you've given it good care, a hydrangea can grow well in a pot for three to five years before it needs repotting or planting in the ground.

Most of the varieties in Endless Summer will reach 3-4′ wide at maturity. I would give them at last two feet away from the foundation. Or even a little more if you don't want them touching the house. Summer Crush is the most compact, so you can plant that one a little closer.

What are the cons of hydrangeas? ›

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. It is also LIKELY UNSAFE to use hydrangea for long period of time.

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.

Bigleaf Hydrangeas

These are one of the most well-known varieties of hydrangeas. Their large, rounded flower heads are most often pink or blue—and are stand-outs in any garden. As with other hydrangea types, gardeners can achieve a multi-colored or color change effect by adjusting the soil's pH.

When to Deadhead Hydrangeas. You should deadhead throughout the blooming season to keep your hydrangeas looking their beast and encourage new flower growth. However, stop deadheading hydrangea shrubs in mid to late fall, leaving any spent blooms in place.

Hydrangeas grow best in full sun (more than 6 hours sun) to part sun (4-6 hours sun). With that being said, all hydrangeas can handle some shade, but the timing and type of shade are important to consider. They can be in full shade during the hottest part of the day, as long as they are getting some morning sun.

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.

While you can plant hydrangeas at any time, the best time is spring or fall. If you plant in the middle of the summer, they're going to need lots of attention to survive. Place and Plant. Once you've found the perfect spot (ideally with well-draining soil,) dig a hole twice the width of the hydrangea's container.

In the spring, I suggest getting them in the ground before the end of June. In the fall I suggest planting in September or October. Once the frost begins to set in your hydrangea will not have ample time to take up water and get comfortable in its new home before going dormant.