Opening creamy white in mid-summer, the florets turn to strawberry-pink as they age, before finally taking on rich pinkish-red tones as fall approaches. It can tolerate harsh winters and is a good substitute for Mophead Hydrangeas or Hydrangea macrophylla. Starting at $21. Adding bone meal is a great way to increase the phosphorus in the soil. With immense flower heads, hydrangeas flaunt an old-fashioned charm from summer to fall. The hydrangea is the undisputed Queen of the Southern Garden. By far the greatest species diversity is in eastern Asia, notably China, Korea, and Japan. This unique panicle hydrangea revolutionized landscaping across North America. Hydrangea Varieties to Grow as Houseplants. This fast-growing hydrangea suits propagation from cuttings —root or stem. 9 Gorgeous Hydrangea Types. Plant Size: 4-5 feet. Blossoms grow into the popular snow-ball shape in shades of pink, red, and blue. • Water before planting. 'Rio' Hydrangea macrophylla. It blooms about a month earlier than any other cultivars of Hydrangea paniculata, starting in early to mid-summer depending on the local climate, and continuing throughout the summer and into the fall. Avoid these by spacing plants to allow for air circulation and avoid getting the leaves wet, especially late in the day. Pruning 3. Grows up to 36-48 in. Prune out from one-third to one-quarter of last year's growth to the base each year to encourage the plant to produce new shoots. Hydrangeas. Cuttings are the best way to propagate Limelight hydrangea, using a stem from the plant that's cut right above the leaf node, so you get stem and leaf in it, Hogan says. Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' grows 6 to 8 feet tall and 5 to 7 feet wide and has a greenish color in its flowers. The flowers make great cut flowers, fresh or dried. 1. Description and Growth Habit: H. Limit any drastic pruning to early spring, just before new growth emerges. Alternatively, choose a large planter or container and place a hydrangea in it alongside some other perennial plants which enjoy similar conditions, before thinning, pruning and transplanting these to new containers once the hydrangea grows. Water it thoroughly. アジサイ属 （あじさいぞく、学名: Hydrangea ）は、 被子植物門 ミズキ目 の1属。. Add a layer of potting mix and compost, enough so that when you place the hydrangea in the pot, the top of the root ball sits slightly below the rim of the container. Then focus on crowded. Choose a planting location that receives at least three to six hours of sunlight each day. One of the more decorative varieties, Mirandas can grow up to 50 feet tall and six feet wide. Call your doctor at once if you have: numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet; skin numbness or purple. They are known for their exquisite flowering display, with many offering a season of beautiful blooms that remain attractive into winter. Blue-flowered florists' plants may show pink. A. The shrubs are multi-stemmed and grow in an upright habit. Take cuttings from non-blooming stems in early spring, then root it in a pot until a good network of roots has developed. Dig a wide shallow hole about twice as wide as the planter pot. Flower color shifts from a deep violet-purple in acid soils to pink in basic soils. Continue to 5 of 14 below. This hydrangea will grow up to 5 feet tall. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of aluminum sulfate for blue. Hydrangea Drooping (Drought) Symptoms. Hydrangea Fertilizer for Proper Hydrangea Care and Feeding. 'By cutting stems to different heights, you’ll get flowerheads produced at different levels,' advises Sarah Raven. Hydrangea Care . The. White flowers transform to pink-red as summer progresses. • Dig hole 2X the width of pot. They also have brilliant autumn foliage. Hydrangeas in general prefer a rich, well-drained soil. Like the mondo grass, it holds its golden color all season long and enjoys the same growing conditions as the hydrangea. Smooth Hydrangea suckers freely, creeping over large areas. Place your plant in the middle of the hole. This type of hydrangea has white blossoms. They are produced in such great quantities that they literally. The blue flower colour only develops if planted in acid soil. Scrape some of the bark off of the branch, exposing some growth points. Give the hydrangea a thorough soaking at the base daily for the first. Also known as peegee hydrangea. The plant is a stellar. To increase the size and quantity of hydrangea blooms, consider a fertilizer with more phosphorus. arborescens), the type 'Annabelle' belongs to; oakleaf hydrangea (H. The ideal time to plant this flower is early summer. 5 or less and aluminium is freely available then the flowers take on a lovely shade of blue. Dreamin' is beautiful and versatile, looking great in both the garden or planted in a decorative container. From Cuttings. After planting, mulch the surface of the soil to a depth of about 3- 5cm. 09 of 10. dan hinkley collection. ) are popular flowering shrubs in Maryland gardens that are easily recognizable by their big blue, pink or white flower heads. The “ lacecap ” version of this species. From late spring to midsummer, it boasts large, magnificent, conical flower heads, up to 12 in. The genus includes bushes native to North America, but the Far East is rich in its own representatives as well. Pink-white blooms of hydrangea 'Sundae Fraise'. " Water your hydrangeas thoroughly but less frequently to encourage deep roots that are more drought tolerant and that will produce hardier stems," she says. The Royal. Features. 8. evolution™ coneflowers. 01 of 15. Do not over water, or over fertilize, but be attentive. The flowers make great cut flowers, fresh or dried. Bloom on new wood: prune in late winter/early spring. The splashing drops will spread the disease. The colorful flower petals are actually sepals, modified leaves, while the fertile flowers are much smaller and hidden inside. You should carry out this practice all through the blooming season to encourage new blossoms and keep your plant looking fresh. To promote fresh, new, vigorous growth on established plants, cut back hard in early spring. When soil pH is 6. Dozens of species exist. Looking across a yard at a bank of hydrangea bushes in full bloom is certainly. All Summer Beauty hydrangea is great for small gardens and is the perfect size for patio containers. Hydrangea is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Hydrangeaceae. Plant your hydrangea in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Showing 1 - 20 of 22 items. Little Lime ® – dwarf (3-5’ tall and wide) version of Limelight; blooms earlier and has better fall color. Hydrangea paniculata 'Bobo' is a dwarf variety, growing only about 3 feet tall and wide. A long-time favorite in the South, hydrangea are now available in many exciting cultivars more than capable of handling colder climates. paniculata ). long (15-30 cm). Wrap chicken wire around the stakes to form a cage. Nikko Blue Hydrangea Care. Blooming from late spring to fall, the profuse blossoms appear on a compact, bushy plant, adorned with broadly ovate, dark green leaves. Cut branch from the mother plant. There are several types of white hydrangeas, each needing specific locations and care to perform best. Dig up the rooted section from the ground. The afternoon sun is too much light for hydrangeas, so find an area where it will receive partial sunlight, usually around six hours of morning sun daily, and then rest in the shade. Hardiness Zone: 4-9. quercifolia) or climbing hydrangea (H. Best shrubs for shade with variegated leaves. How to Care for Hydrangeas. hydrangea. Fertilizing 4. 1. Some like full sun and others prefer partial sun or even full shade. 5. These hydrangeas are the 4- to 5-foot high and wide plants with large white, blue or pink flowers that are often used as hedges to line driveways and fences, or as. The blooms age to an array of pink, red, and burgundy which persists through frost for months. seaside serenade® hydrangea. Prune a new-wood hydrangea in spring, and it will grow new buds and then flower. How to Prune An Endless Summer Hydrangea. Cut off about 6 to 8 inches of a branch that doesn't have a bloom yet. Hardy in zones 3 to 9; takes part sun to sun. In some hydrangea selections, blue or pink flower color is affected by soil pH—the bluest color is produced in strongly acid soils (below pH 5. Keep your eye on it and, as the flower dies, put a paper bag over it. Another beautiful variety, Hydrangea quercifolia is typically tolerant of more shade, but ‘Gatsby Gal’ is a sun lover. The only type hydrangea that can be made into a tree is Hydrangea paniculata. ’ 8. Hydrangea anomala looks like a plant from a different family altogether, but is a member of the hydrangea family. Water. Firstly, its unique ability to bloom on both old and new growth, giving it the ability to bloom consistently and provide gorgeous flowers all summer long as flower buds are. It is a deciduous shrub growing to 2 m (7 ft) tall by 2. It can be severely pruned in. Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’ (Oak Leaf Hydrangea) is an award-winning deciduous shrub with distinct, boldly lobed leaves and showy blooms. Wild hydrangea is a member of the Hydrangeaceae, the Hydrangea family. Adding early. Strawberry Vanilla hydrangea shrubs are best pruned in late winter or early spring. The leaves are lobed and resemble those of oak trees. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well. Noted for its spectacular flower heads, Hydrangea paniculata 'Phantom' features immense, dense conical flowers, up to 15 in. Most of the 75 species of hydrangea plants are deciduous bushes that lose their foliage every. Hydrangea name meaning. 1-7. It is hardy through zone 4b/5a. Pruning . Not only are these plants much hardier, growing well from zone 3 to zone 8, they will grow taller, with some reaching as much as 15 feet, but most being around 6 feet tall. 10. Protect spring and early summer hydrangeas. Like any potted plant, hydrangeas depend on you for the correct light, moisture, temperature, and soil. Cut a 4 to 6-inch section of green stem off the end of a branch during a period of active growth. Smooth hydrangea can be grown in full sun or dappled shade (the. This diverse group includes two main flower types, large mopheads like those. This beautiful dwarf version of the popular hydrangea ‘Limelight’ is a great low-maintenance addition to any garden. (37 cm), atop strong, stiff stems that do not flop. All hydrangea plants need irrigation in the summer, especially if they are planted in a full sun location. Held on sturdy, strong stems, the blossoms emerge creamy-white and age to a vivid raspberry pink as the season progresses. Water with rainwater to keep hydrangeas blue. Though flowering bushes in bright shades of pink, blue, and purple are most common, newly introduced varieties offer a wider range of color and. Pruning in late spring or early summer after new growth has appeared will remove potential flower buds. Remove any infected leaves, including those that have fallen off the plant. Here are 15 suggestions for hydrangea companion plants across a wide range of hardiness zones. Use a high quality potting soil for best results. Hydrangea plants are mainly sun tolerant but most do prefer partial shade. ‘Another very popular companion plant is Japanese forest grass. Hydrangea varieties. Incrediball. Also called Hydrangea petiolaris, these can grow 30 to 80 feet long. Wetland . How to say Hydrante in English? Pronunciation of Hydrante with 1 audio pronunciation and more for Hydrante. Set the root ball in the pot and fill in around it with the potting mix, firming it to. Oakleaf Hydrangea – If you live in an arid part of zone 9, such as California, the oakleaf hydrangea is a good choice. It is not necessary to prune climbing hydrangea, except to manage its growth. Best easy-care hydrangeas Whether it's planting, pruning, watering, or. In acid soils, the flowers will be blue, but in alkaline soils, the flowers will be pink. The ‘showy’ part of many hydrangea blooms have sterile flower parts that do not provide the pollen necessary to support pollinators. Causes of yellowing hydrangea leaves are too much water, iron deficiency, and too high of your soil pH. Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) Oakleaf hydrangea flowers Photo: Ginny Williams The oakleaf hydrangea is a beautiful native of the southeastern United States and is a favorite of many gardeners. Remove the plant from its container, and set it in the center of the hole. 96 inches. To plant a hydrangea tree, start by finding a planting location that receives the right amount of sun and ideally has well-drained soil. Diseases of hydrangea are typically foliar, although root and flowers may also become infected. Name: Cityline Mars hydrangea ( Hydrangea macrophylla Cityline 'Mars') USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9. The 3–5’ shrubs produce a blizzard of greenish blooms that turn creamy white before shading to dusky pink for fall, and they don’t degrade in high temperatures. Hydrangea paniculata 'PeeGee' is a vigorous shrub or small tree for full sun that can grow up to 20 feet tall and 8 feet wide. You can reduce instances of powdery mildew through liberal spacing to promote better air circulation and. If you wish to propagate your hydrangea tree, you should cut off a 6-inch, new growth from the tree in the fall. Water regularly, when the top inch of soil feels dry. Dig a hole two to three times as wide as the pot but at the same depth. S. They also love moisture, so add some water-retaining crystals to the soil as you backfill. • Plant in full sun to part shade. "Mop heads" have big round, dense balls. STEP 1: Cut the shoots back by a third to a half. (30 cm), packed with creamy-white florets. Bobo (Hydrangea paniculata 'Ilvobo'), a compact dwarf hydrangea with white. Place the plant in the hole and backfill around the roots with soil. Typically hydrangeas thrive when fed an all-purpose, balanced fertilizer like a 10-10-10 N-P-K or 12-4-8 N-P-K. Its large bloom clusters open pure white, but then quickly age to deep pink, adding beauty to the shaded garden. Mix in a slow-release fertilizer. Water low and deep with about one inch of water per week. Planting Instructions. Incredibly hardy, even in the harshest winters, this US native hydrangea is perfect for mixed borders, small gardens, and patio containers. Instead, they grow in a loose, spreading mass of fibers often referred to as a root ball. Details . Once the germinated seeds are big enough to handle, transplant them to their spot outside in the fall. But despite their ability to be rather large showstoppers in your yard, how to grow hydrangeas isn’t a question even the novice. rose collection. Hydrangeas are brilliant for bringing bursts of summer color to the garden, plus they make a lovely cut flower. Named after the shape of its beautiful leaves, this Oak Leaf Hydrangea features dense, conical flower heads, up to. With snow-white pom-pom inflorescence and exfoliating, textured bark, Hydrangea arborescens in particular is a festive garden staple. Choose a container that is just a little larger than the pot in which it came. Hydrangea paniculata ‘Bombshell’ – This mounding shrub grows 2 to 3 feet high and bears white flowers with pink centers. Performs best in part shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. If you live in the south, give the plant some shade in the hot afternoon hours. If your chosen hydrangea is a variety with large leaves, you can also trim the remaining two. 5 and 6. Since hydrangea blossoms are so big, deadheading a hydrangea makes a real difference in diverting energy to more important parts of the plant’s growth. Learn how to grow these ever-popular flowering shrubs in containers for mobile garden color. "Getting your soil pH tested before planting your hydrangeas is essential to make changes where necessary," says Laura Root, category manager of live plants at Jackson & Perkins. These shrubs are native to the cooler regions of Asia. In older manuals and sources, wild hydrangea. Mix in a slow-release fertilizer. Professional Growing Information. It comes from two Greek word roots: “hydro,” meaning water, and “angeion,” which means vessel. Daniel J. Planting. This one grows shorter and more compact and offers the same color-changing ability as French hydrangea. Once coated, however, place the stem into a clear glass filled with water, ensuring that the leaves are above the water level. With over 70 species of hydrangea, there are compact varieties and ones with scented flowers or fall foliage, and even varieties that flower twice on old and new wood. Complete these five essential jobs this fall to set your plants up for the coming seasons. Next, carefully strip off most of the leaves, leaving a pair at the tip of the cutting. Each stem should be trimmed back to the nearest set of healthy buds, making each cut so that it slants away. Hydracyanosides, a group of toxic cyanogenic glycosides, have been isolated from the leaves of Hydrangea macrophylla. Space most French hydrangeas three to four feet apart, but check the tag to see how wide your selection will grow. Supersized puffs of hydrangea blooms and a dash of hocus-pocus with color-changing petals make this one of the most sought-after flowering shrubs for home landscaping. Several cuttings can be rooted in one larger pot. Rarity . Gardening Trees, Shrubs & Vines Shrubs The Best Types of Hydrangeas to Grow in Your Garden Whether you’re looking for the best hydrangea for full sun or all-season color, check out these perfect. There are five types of hydrangeas: bigleaf or French hydrangea, smooth (tree) hydrangea, panicle, oakleaf, and climbing. Your cutting should be 2 inches below a pair of leaves, to leave space for the plant to take root. petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea) is a vigorous, large, deciduous climber that clings by aerial rootlets along the stems. Many have attractive autumn colour and leaf shape. Panicle Hydrangea Propagation. Its leaves add fall interest when they transform to lush shades of mahogany and purple. Its flowers are produced on old wood from last year’s growth. When the soil has a pH higher than 6. 3-. You may hang the cut bloom upside down or in a vase with just a few inches of water. - Powerful blooming ability, with dozens of full mophead flowers on strong stems. Hydranthea. • Mulch 1-2″ deep around plant, avoiding area closest to stem. Watering from overhead can increase the fungal spread. If you’re lucky enough to have a few flowers still on the plant, cut them now to bring their beauty indoors. 4. 2. Incrediball hydrangea grows in full sun to partial shade, and the latter is preferable in hot climates. The best for growing indoors is Hydrangea macrophylla -- the mophead hydrangea, which offers hundreds of varieties. Hardy to USDA zone 3. Perfect for adding late summer color to the shrub border, Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanille Fraise' features loose, fluffy, pyramid-shaped flower heads at the tips of gracefully arching branches in summer. Large and round, hydrangea flowers burst into rich pink, blue or purple shades beginning in summer, and hardy hydrangea shrubs can hold their blossoms well into fall. Prune in later winter or early. Learn more about how to grow hydrangeas in pots. 05 of 12. Back fill in the sides with soil. 2. Hydrangea L. The Limelight hydrangea tree is perhaps the most popular variety of hydrangea tree available. The cultivar name is ‘Abetwo . paniculata . Introduced. Endless Summer 'Twist-n-Shout' Hydrangea macrophylla. 3½' tall and 5' wide. Like the mondo grass, it holds its golden color all season long and enjoys the same growing conditions as the hydrangea. Thereafter, cut back to one feeding per month. macrophylla but is generally smaller, with a height and spread of 2-4 feet. Next, dig a shallow hole a few inches deep and lay the hydrangea branch in it. Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea aborescens): A popular example is Annabelle hydrangeas. The 'Little Lime' hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) is a patented cultivar that is a dwarf variety of the 'Limelight' hydrangea. Despite the common name “French Hydrangea,” this species is native to Japan. Use it in a mixed border, or as a showy specimen or foundation plant. It offers a long season of interest with dense, conical flower heads filled with large, white ray florets that turn pink in fall. If they seem overgrown or floppy, especially after a hard rain, pruning will tune them up. With proper care and maintenance, Myers says you can stop your hydrangea blooms from growing too large. Planting in Dry, Poorly-Drained Soil. Renowned for its consistent blooms, regardless of location, this reblooming hydrangea is also quite resilient. Mulch will also help keep weeds away. 0 and higher). 4. Its foliage is spectacular even without the massive, upright, 12-inch blossoms. When you are planting wild hydrangeas, find a spot with well-drained, moist, acidic soil. "Also, removing broken and damaged stems. How to Get More Panicle Hydrangea Flowers: Plant panicle hydrangeas in all-day sun or afternoon sun. Set plant in the hole and backfill with existing soil. Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) What is a hydrangea? Hydrangeas are either deciduous or evergreen shrubs, trees, or lianas native to the Americas and Asia. across (22 cm), densely packed with white, flushed pink florets. macrophylla Cityline® Paris is one of the Cityline® series of dwarf plants with smaller-stature flowers for Zones 5 to 9. Amend the soil: Mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to the soil at the bottom of the planting hole. Planting hydrangeas in pots: Use a bagged potting mix rather than garden soil. Smooth Hydrangeas are. Dig a hole slightly larger than the pot your hydrangea came in. Here are two of our favorites. For the first option, remove one third to one half of each shoot, cutting ¼ inch above a pair of leaf buds each time. tall (90-120 cm) and 5 ft. Flowers tend to be purple in the soil pH range of 5. With a neat and compact habit, it is perfect for a lightly shaded border or patio pot. Panicle Hydrangea Varieties. If your soil has an abundance of nitrogen, your hydrangea may have lush green growth and no flowers. If they start to crimp and turn brown, your hydrangea is getting a sunburn, and you need to give it more protection. Add plenty of organic matter (such as compost) around the plant. Prune a new-wood hydrangea in spring, and it will grow new buds and then flower. Some form their flower buds on old wood, meaning next year’s buds are already present on the branches in fall and winter. "Maturing to a height of 6' by 6', Tara's cloudlike blooms rest atop elegant oak shaped leaves that take on a rich red hue in fall," says McConnell. Light. Water them regularly during dry spells, letting the soil dry out a bit between deep waterings. Climbing hydrangeas flower in summer and are well suited for covering north and east-facing walls. Use an approved fungicide if necessary. Apply the product around the base of the plant and work it into the soil with a rake or a cultivator. Pinky Winky ® H. Watering 5. Image . 08 of 26. It bears clusters of white flowers in summer that fade to shades of rose or green. They enjoy more sun than the Mop-head Hydrangeas, so they are a good choice for a sunnier location. Make sure the plant will have partial shade. Perhaps the best known of the hydrangeas is the mophead style of Hydrangea macrophylla. Held upright on sturdy stems, they are well distributed, making a very attractive plant and display. Light/Watering: Most varieties tolerate full sun in the North, but benefit from afternoon shade. Use a brick or stone from your garden to keep the branch in place. Most common species are from Asia, spread across China, Korea, and Japan, while the Smooth Hydrangea and Oakleaf Hydrangea are native to the North American continent. If possible, plant them in an area that gets some afternoon shade in climates with hot summers. Remove the plant from its pot and. Whether you grow a big leaf hydrangea, panicle hydrangea, smooth hydrangea, or oakleaf variety, a well-tended hydrangea will give you lots and lots of gorgeous blooms throughout the summer. Like most potted plants, watering will depend on how fast the soil dries out and if it's in bloom or not. Once dried, the hydrangea can be sprayed with floral spray paint for deeper colors. (Image credit: Shutterstock) 1. Performs best in full sun or dappled shade (the hotter the climate, the more shade is needed). How to prune mophead and lacecap hydrangeas. Hydrangea macrophylla by Abraham Jacobus Wendel, 1868. Their compact shrubby nature makes them ideal for areas where you may not want a fully grown, taller plant. Oakleaf hydrangeas thrive in the shade and won't bloom in full sun, while panicle hydrangeas love to soak up the full sun and won't bloom in the shade. Perhaps the best known of the hydrangeas is the mophead style of Hydrangea macrophylla. Mulch helps the soil and roots to retain moisture. ) by way of sticky aerial roots. macrophylla varieties feature tiny lacelike flowers surrounded by larger blossoms – these are commonly known as lacecap hydrangeas. Blossoms grow into the popular snow-ball shape in shades of pink, red, and blue. botanical name Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Monmar’ PP #25,209. Not too long ago, Hydrangea serrata was Hydrangea macrophylla subsp. This rust only infects the smooth hydrangea, H. tall and wide. Shop our collection of hydrangea shrubs at Spring Hill. Soil with a pH under about 5. Your hydrangea will need frequent watering in warm weather; check the container for moisture daily. 8. Dig a hole 2 feet wider than the root ball and as deep as the root ball, so it sits level with or slightly higher than the soil in order to encourage drainage. Especially for the early afternoon when south facing gardens get full sun. 7. ‘The rounded shrub has spotted, variegated leaves and produces bright red berries in fall,’ explains Fiona. If you're trying to revive multiple stems at once, weigh down the stems in the water with a lightweight plate so they stay completely submerged. Some still consider it to be a subspecies. ‘Little Lime’ Hydrangea paniculata. Mountain hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata) is another good hydrangea for pots. Then, give the plant a deep watering right after planting. "Incorrectly adjusting the soil pH can. macrophylla) – Bigleaf hydrangea is an attractive shrub with shiny, toothed leaves, a symmetrical, rounded shape and a mature height and width of 4 to 8 feet (1-2 m. This hydrangea is more tolerant of full sun than other hydrangea species but prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. The flowers have vivid colors that range from deep pink to periwinkle blue, depending on soil acidity. Crush the ends of the hydrangea stems as you typically would, until the stems are mushy. Their large size and vibrant flowers combine to create impressive floral displays. Plant Size: 4-5 feet. Cuttings should be three to five inches long and contain at least three sets of leaf nodes. Reapply annually. Garden Plans Hydrangeas can flourish in sun or shade. Hydrangeas growing in pots can be brought indoors for the winter, either inside your home or in a garage to prevent freezing temperatures from shocking them. Compact size fits easily into any landscape. It might help revive your hydrangeas and increase their shelf life. Bobo ® H. Several cuttings can be rooted in one larger pot. The main differences between the two are the size and the hardiness. Its versatility is shown in Japan as well because it is found in seaside habitats. Hydrangea paniculata ‘Little Lime’ – These summer flowers start out green and turn pink by autumn. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches with clean, sharp pruning shears. The word “hydrangea” gives a hint why. The vast majority of a Hydrangea’s roots will stay within the top six inches or so of soil. It should be deep enough so that where the plant meets the soil is flush to the ground. Don’t let this petite shrub fool you. The contrasting color which it holds all season long marries well with the hydrangea and grows happily in similar conditions,’ says Ballato. The more shade the bush receives, the shorter it may remain—in extreme cases, the plant may stay short enough to resemble a large perennial in size. Once your hydrangea is situated in your garden, mulch around the base of the plant.