Hydrangeas: Understanding Their Growth Pattern and Size

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Hydrangeas are beloved flowering shrubs that can add beauty and texture to any garden. But before you plant these show-stopping blooms, it's essential to understand how big they can get.

Hydrangea Varieties: A Size Guide

Bigleaf Hydrangeas

Bigleaf hydrangeas are the most commonly grown hydrangea in North America. They typically grow between 3 and 6 feet tall, with a spread of 4 to 8 feet. These hydrangeas produce large, spherical flower heads in a variety of colors, including pink, white, blue, and purple.

Panicle Hydrangeas

Panicle hydrangeas, also known as tree hydrangeas, grow taller than their bigleaf counterparts, usually reaching heights of 9 to 12 feet. They have cone-shaped flowers that start out white and gradually turn pink or red as they mature.

Smooth Hydrangeas

Smooth hydrangeas are smaller than bigleaf and panicle hydrangeas, growing to be about 3 to 5 feet tall with a similar spread. They are native to the eastern United States and produce white or pink flowers.

Oakleaf Hydrangeas

Oakleaf hydrangeas are another native species, primarily found in the southeastern US. They grow between 5 and 8 feet tall, with a spread of 6 to 10 feet. Their flower heads are conical, much like panicle hydrangeas, and change from white to pink over time.

Climbing Hydrangeas

Climbing hydrangeas can climb up walls and trellises to heights of 30 feet or more. Though they're slow growing at first, once established, they can spread quite quickly. They produce white flowers that are smaller than those of other hydrangea varieties.

Ideal Conditions for Growth

Light and Shade

Hydrangeas need lots of sunlight to grow but not too much direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves. The ideal location for planting hydrangeas is where they can receive morning sun and afternoon shade.

Soil Type

Hydrangeas prefer soil that's moist and well-drained, with plenty of organic matter. They also need soil that has a pH level between 5.2 and 6.0 to produce blue flowers, or 6.0 and 6.2 for pink flowers.

Water and Fertilizer

Hydrangeas need to be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. They also benefit from regular doses of fertilizer, which should be applied in the spring and early summer.

Pruning Techniques

Deadheading and Intensive Pruning

Deadheading and intensive pruning are both methods of cutting back a hydrangea to encourage new growth the following year. Deadheading involves removing spent blooms, while intensive pruning is more severe, involving cutting back up to one-third of the shrub's branches. These pruning techniques are best done in late fall or early spring.

Light Pruning

Light pruning involves selectively removing dead, damaged or weak branches to maintain the plant's shape and health. This type of pruning can be done at any time of the year as needed.

Hydrangeas can be a little tricky to grow, but they're worth the effort once you get the hang of it. With the right care and attention, your hydrangeas can bloom beautifully for years to come.

FAQ

• What is the average height of hydrangea shrubs?
  • The average height depends on the hydrangea variety. Bigleaf hydrangeas typically grow between 3 and 6 feet tall, while panicle hydrangeas can reach heights of 9 to 12 feet.
• How long do hydrangea blooming periods last?
  • Hydrangea blooming periods usually last from late spring to early fall, depending on the variety and weather conditions.
• Will hydrangeas grow in containers?
  • Yes, hydrangeas can grow in containers as long as the containers are big enough to accommodate their root systems.
• Can I prune my hydrangea in the fall?
  • It's best to avoid pruning a hydrangea in the fall. Instead, wait until late fall or early spring when the plant is dormant.
• Why are my hydrangeas not blooming?
  • There are several reasons why hydrangeas may not flower. The most common reason is inadequate light or pruning at the wrong time. Other reasons include poor soil quality, pests, and disease.