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7062721248 • June 4, 2020

HYDRANGEAS - HOW TO GROW & CARE FOR HYDRANGEA FLOWERS

HYDRANGEA OVERVIEW

Zones: Hydrangea varieties suitable for zones 3-9.

Height/Spread: Mature size differs depending on the variety. Some are as small as 3-feet tall and wide, while others can reach 15-feet tall and 12-feet wide.

Sun or shade? Most hydrangea plants bloom best in part shade, but some will tolerate full shade or full sun. The amount of sun they can handle depends on your location—in areas further north they can take more sun, while further south they prefer just a few hours of morning sunlight.

Bloom time: Hydrangeas usually bloom in summer, with some blooming earlier in the season and some later (and if you’re lucky, possibly even into fall).

Flower color: Most bloom in shades of blue, purple or pink, but there are also white, green, and even some red varieties. Many will open one color and then change colors as they age. Additionally, some hydrangea flower colors (mainly on bigleaf or mountain varieties) can be manipulated to be more blue, pink or purple depending on soil composition and soil pH levels.

PLANTING HYDRANGEAS

How to Plant Hydrangeas:

Growing hydrangeas successfully starts with the planting process. It's all about timing, location and healthy soil.

When to plant hydrangeas:

Container-purchased plants should be planted in spring or fall. Make sure there is no threat of frost when planting.

Where to plant hydrangeas:

  • 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. Amend the soil with compost if necessary.
  • Don't plant beneath a tree—the root competition and lack of sunlight will prevent them from thriving.
  • Avoid planting in exposed areas where gusty winds could snap stems.

How to plant hydrangeas:

  • Get your plant off to a healthy start by amending your soil with up to 15% organic matter and an all-purpose slow-release fertilizer (use half of what is recommended).
  • Plant slightly higher than they were in the nursery container.
  • The planting hole should be 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball to give the roots plenty of room for expansion.
  • Gently loosen potbound roots before planting.
  • Backfill with the amended soil and water well.
  • If planting a grouping, space at least 3 feet apart (more, if planting larger varieties).

Planting hydrangeas in pots:

  • Use a bagged potting mix rather than garden soil.
  • Mix in a slow-release fertilizer.
  • Leave 1 to 2 inches between the top of the soil and the rim of the pot for watering.
  • Make sure the pot has drainage holes and has room for the plant to grow.

HYDRANGEA CARE & PRUNING

If you wait until spring to prune your mophead hydrangeas ( H. macrophylla ), be careful not to remove the new buds that are forming.

Pruning hydrangeas:
Many don’t need major pruning; most need just enough to keep them tidy by removing old flowers and dead stems, improve the shrub’s structure or shape, or to open it up to let sun and air in.

How and when to prune depends on the type you are growing. You’ll need to determine whether your plant blooms on old wood, new wood, or both before proceeding to prune.

Soil:
All like well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Soil composition can affect the flower color of H. macrophylla and H. serrata ; other varieties can tolerate a range of soil alkalinity.

Amendments:
Mulch with organic material annually or add a slow-release 10-10-10 fertilizer with thorough watering before and after application.

Watering hydrangeas:
They like to be kept moist, and don’t let them dry out. Container plants may need daily watering. Add mulch to help keep soil moist.

Diseases and pests:
Generally not affected by serious disease or insect problems, however, many species may be susceptible to some bud blight, bacterial wilt, leaf spot, or mildew. Keep an eye out for aphids and mites, and treat as needed.

Why is my hydrangea not blooming?

This is more common with types that bloom on old wood (last year’s growth). Three common reasons are:

  • You may have pruned at the wrong time and inadvertently removed the stems that would have produced flowers.
  • The flower buds may have been damaged by a hard frost—cover plants during cold snaps if this may be any issue.
  • It could be caused by too much shade or over-fertilizing.

Landscaping Trends That Will Transform Your Outdoor Space in 2025

By 7062721248 • April 24, 2025
Gardens are growing, and so are the trends shaping them. From eco-savvy native gardening designs to responsibly sourcing your seeds and plants, our experts share their top trends for 2025. Whether you're a green gardener or green-thumbed pro, these hot takes will provide endless inspiration. Meadow mania
 The “meadow” or “prairie” approach to landscaping is blossoming in popularity as gardeners embrace eco-conscious ways to design their spaces. By incorporating native plants like little bluestem, Echinacea, and Rattlesnake Master alongside adaptable non-natives such as Russian sage and yarrow, homeowners are creating vibrant, climate-resilient landscapes. A standout for 2025 is short-toothed mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum), the Perennial Plant of the Year. This native gem is drought-tolerant and a magnet for pollinators—a perfect addition to meadow-style gardens. To achieve this look, start by reducing lawn space and planting a mix of hardy perennials, grasses, and wildflowers in natural groupings. Unlike traditional gardens, this “dry and wild” method requires less water, reduces maintenance, and fosters biodiversity. With its relaxed charm and environmental benefits, the meadow approach is a win for gardeners and ecosystems alike.
 Short and sweet Short-blooming plants are lovely additions to gardens, offering a compact, tidy look while providing essential resources for pollinators. These plants work beautifully as borders between garden beds and lawns, helping transition from taller plants to neat, manicured grass. Species like Pussytoes (Antennaria neglecta), Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum), and Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans) bloom in spring, but their fascinating, textural foliage enhances the landscape long after the flowers fade. Adding a blend of low-growing grasses and wildflowers offers a meadow-like appearance, which can be styled to look more structured or intentionally wild. With proper care, this design approach provides vibrant color and texture throughout the seasons, benefiting both the aesthetic of your yard and the local ecosystem.
 Milkweed for a butterfly bonanza As the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers listing monarch butterflies as endangered, gardeners have a chance to help save this iconic species. Monarchs continue to decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change, which have destroyed their breeding grounds and reduced milkweed—their essential host plant. 
 By planting more milkweed, homeowners can create vital habitats to support monarchs and help reverse their decline and ensure these beloved pollinators thrive for generations to come. Above all, if you're interested in maximizing the enjoyment of YOUR yard call us today to schedule your free landscape consultation and let us help you bring your gardening desires to life! Source: https://www.chicagobotanic.org

Landscaping Ideas for an Enchanting Outdoor Space

By 7062721248 • May 30, 2024
Landscaping Ideas for an Enchanting Outdoor Space

Small-Space Landscaping Ideas to Make the Most of Your Yard

By 7062721248 • July 17, 2023
Just because you have a smaller plot doesn't mean you can't make it stand out. Maximize the impact of a minimal landscape with these small garden, front yard, and backyard garden ideas.

The Biggest Garden Trends Right Now

By 7062721248 • July 13, 2023
Garden of Eden The wild, earthly, Garden-of-Eden vibe is going to be big for gardens this year. So how do you translate that aesthetic to your own backyard? For starters, try mixing in edible plants with the rest of your landscape—don't just contain them to raised beds. This trend is also all about nurturing nature by incorporating pollinator- and bird-friendly plants, using organic products, and being mindful of soil health.

The 5 Elements of Landscaping

By 7062721248 • July 7, 2023
Landscaping is comprised of five main elements: color, line, texture, form and shape. These elements all work together to form a beautiful landscape design. Understanding each element will help you make good landscaping decisions, so we’ve outlined the ways each element can be incorporated into a design: 1. Color While all of the elements of landscaping are important, color might be the most essential. Color can add dimension, visual interest, and seasonal variety to your landscaping throughout the year. Color doesn’t just apply to the flowering plants you choose; you can also use paving, retaining walls, fences and mulch to add color to your landscape design. 2. Line Line refers to both hardscape and softscape elements, but typically it refers to the more structural features in your garden. Flower beds, walkways, patio perimeters, hedges and arbours can all be used to add lines to your garden and can help to draw attention to certain areas. If you prefer a more formal look, opt for hard lines as curved lines tend to be less formal and more relaxed. 3. Texture In any good design, texture is key. Plants are the best way to accomplish this goal, as the leaves, bark, flowers and branches all add instant texture. However, aggregates, mulch, paving stones, retaining walls and other structural features can also add texture to your garden. Be sure to choose elements with different textures throughout your garden to add visual interest. 4. Form You can think of form as the shape of a plant or other structural object. If you have a formal garden, the forms will be more tailored and manicured, with clipped hedges and defined lines. Informal landscapes tend to have natural forms and rely less on heavy pruning and maintenance. 5. Scale One of the trickiest elements in landscaping design is scale. You want to have a good balance between the size of your garden elements and the size of your home, as well as surrounding homes and public areas. If you have a smaller home, consider choosing elements that are in proportion to the size of your home. A larger home may be able to incorporate larger elements. Understanding these landscaping elements will help you design a landscape that you love! For expert help, contact The Luxury Landscape Co, LLC, for all your design and landscaping needs!

Red, White and Blue Plant Combinations

By 7062721248 • June 28, 2023
Well, it's past Memorial Day and we're working up to the 4th of July ... here are recommendations of complementary varieties in Red, White and Blue to plants. Red Geranium Red geraniums are a great centerpiece for a fourth of July potted container because geraniums are a floral choice that keeps giving and giving. Geraniums, when deadheaded, can continue to bloom and bloom all summer long. Pair this flower with white alyssum which will also flower all summer, and purple or red salvia plants which add their own pop of color without dominating the combination.

Creating Berms

By 7062721248 • June 23, 2023
Like the island bed, there are no hard and fast rules for creating a berm. But some simple guidelines can help create a beautiful berm. Berms and island beds can be quite similar, but there are two notable differences. The island bed generally “floats” alone in the landscape, whereas a berms are sweeping hills that alter the landscape. A berm alters and becomes a part of the landscape, often flowing up to or adjoining with other elements of the landscape such as structures or an adjoining hills or a stand of woods. Tapering the berm to the natural ground level also makes it appear a part of the natural landscape, but it is becoming common to see berms walled up. The other primary difference is that an island is generally created on the existing elevation of the property. A berm significantly raises the elevation by building up hills or mounds with soil. If you are considering creating a berm, keep in mind that a surprisingly large quantity of soil is required. Cultivated soil may be cost prohibitive depending on the size and height of the berm you have envisioned. Check with excavating companies in your area, for a reasonable charge you may be able to acquire fill from construction projects such as digging for a new homes’ basement or a swimming pool. Add cultivated soil only on top and dig in to the planting areas where necessary. Purpose of a Berm There are many reasons to create a berm, some very functional, some strictly aesthetic. A functional berm usually becomes aesthetic in its’ finishing. Create interest in a flat landscape Separate functional areas Add a focal point Create a privacy screen Create a wind barrier Create a noise barrier Enhance a design Create a soil depth where soil conditions are unfavorable Elevate plants to a better viewing position Improve or redirect drainage

Landscaping Trends

By 7062721248 • June 22, 2023
As homeowners spend more time outdoors, they have a new need for their outdoor space to feel more functional and complete. Whether it’s an outdoor kitchen, garden or pond, we are seeing homeowners lean toward creating more efficient, defined outdoor spaces. Landscapers and gardeners are now looking for ways to connect nature with patios and outdoor spaces to create the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy all the well-being benefits the outdoors provides.

Fast-Growing Trees for Midwest Yards

By 7062721248 • June 20, 2023
Ready to hide the view of a neighbor's patio, enclose a pool deck or buffer the noise of a nearby street? Many trees and shrubs can be planted tightly to form hedges, groves and screens to offer a solution. Many also add multi-season beauty and support wildlife. The key is to select the right tree for the right place whether shady and wet or cold and windy. Here are some favorites to try.

TOP LANDSCAPE DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2023

By 7062721248 • June 7, 2023
Like the past few years, this has been a year dedicated to various home projects, including those in the yard. Everyone is after the perfect space, with beautiful landscaping, but deciding how to get that desired look can be difficult. Landscaping isn't something you want to rush, or it can look like a haphazard mess. Take the time to make plans for your landscaping projects for 2023, so you can do them right. To help get the ideas flowing, here are some great ideas to consider that can work for virtually anyone:
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