How to grow Blue Hydrangeas
This article covers, from start to finish, how to grow blue hydrangeas. From ideal soil conditions to aesthetic uses, this article seeks to answer all the questions you may have related to blue hydrangea care.
Background
Before you learn how to grow blue hydrangeas, first here is a little background.
Hydrangeas are a family of plants. Within that family, there are around 25 species and hundreds of cultivars. There are some species native to certain areas in North America.
The blue hydrangea is also called a bigleaf hydrangea. It has a round, upright growing habit and can serve many purposes in the garden.
Native Habitat
The blue hydrangea is native to China, Japan, and the Americas. Initially, it grew naturally in woodlands and mountainsides.
For years gardeners have been figuring out how to grow blue hydrangeas and how to maximize their blooming potential. Because it has been a favorite among gardeners for centuries it has been bred for maximum blooms. The hydrangea we see most often now in gardens and hedges is quite different from its more wild predecessor.
Soil Requirements
Out of all flowering shrubs, the hydrangea is one of the most fussed-over plants. To develop those coveted blue blooms, hydrangeas need the ideal soil conditions. They prefer acidic, well-draining soil.
The most important step in learning how to grow blue hydrangeas is figuring out what kind of soil you are working with. It is always recommended to test your soil before you begin planting.
Inexpensive tests are available at most garden centers. For more detailed and accurate test results, most major universities do soil tests. You can call your local extension office to request a test. This also is an affordable option that costs around $10.
What gives hydrangeas a blue hue is the presence of aluminum in the soil. For blue blooms, the soil needs a pH (parts hydrogen) between 5.0 to 5.5. This is much more acidic that the typical soil requirements for other plants.To amend the soil to make it more acidic, you can add elemental sulfur or aluminum sulfate. Once the soil has been amended, then hydrangeas can be planted. Treating the soil beforehand saves gardeners time and effort in the future.
Growing Zones and Ideal Conditions
Before you figure out how to grow blue hydrangeas, you need to know where you can plant blue hydrangeas.
The blue hydrangea is a hardy perennial shrub in zones six to nine. It will grow to heights of three to six feet at maturity and will have a spread of the same. The blue hydrangea blooms from mid-to-late summer.
The hydrangea can be grown in cooler zones if its buds are protected from late winter/early spring frosts. Hydrangeas do especially well in coastal towns. They thrive in the sandy, acidic soils that coastal towns have.
Where to Blue Hydrangeas in the Garden
Hydrangeas are one of the most dramatic shrubs available. Most varieties have large, eye-catching blooms and are a great addition to most outdoor spaces.
The blue hydrangea looks best in borders, seaside gardens, and cottage gardens. Because it is such a show-stopper, it should be placed somewhere where it can be enjoyed.
This shrub looks great in front of houses and other buildings. It also does well on woodland edges.
Containers
If you have clay soil and don't have the ability to amend your soil, you can plant hydrangeas in containers. As long as you have a container large enough, and protect the plant from winter conditions, a hydrangea can thrive in container.
How to Grow Blue Hydrangeas
Its easy to learn how to grow blue hydrangeas because hydrangeas can be planted like most other shrubs. They are easy to plant and should be planted shortly after purchasing to ensure the most successful transplant.
- Find the ideal location with some shade throughout the day
- Check the soil and amend if needed, hydrangeas will not grow in clay
- Buy a hydrangea shrub (or a few!)
- Dig a hole, make sure it isn't too deep or shallow-- it's better to plant hydrangeas more shallow so that the stem is not buried
- Back fill the hole with soil to cover the roots
- Gently firm the soil with your hands so that you don't damage the roots
- Water thoroughly, this helps the roots to establish and it fills in any air pockets in the soil
Care Guide
Part of learning how to grow blue hydrangeas is figuring out what their care needs are. Hydrangeas are easy to take care of, but they do require a little bit of maintenance. For optimum results, hydrangeas need to be pruned and fertilized each year.
- Hydrangeas can be pruned immediately after blooming back to the next set of buds
- Remove any dead flower heads or leave them up for the birds in winter
- Protect plants with burlap if you are growing them below zone six
- Fertilize with 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring and again in late fall
- Cut flowers to use in arrangements or to dry if you like
Where to Buy Blue Hydrangeas
Now that you know how to grow blue hydrangeas, here is where you can buy them. We offer this hydrangea and three other more rare hydrangeas at Tennessee Nursery. We are an online retailer and provide a wide array of plants including the Blue Hydrangea.
This Nikko blue hydrangea makes an excellent addition to any garden. Its massive blooms can range in color from pink to blue, depending on your soil pH. The otherworldly flowers are almost to good to be true. With some gentle pruning and yearly fertilizer, this shrub will blossom for years to come.
Zone: 3 to 9 (can grow in cooler zones if protected from frost in spring)
Sun: Part shade
Mature Height: from 4 to 6 feet
Water: Average
Best for cottage gardens or as a hedge
Check out the Blue Hydrangea product page here
Other Hydrangeas for Sale
These may not have the same blue blooms as the blue hydrangea, but they make up for it with their vibrant, white flowers. Here are three additional hydrangeas that have the most wonderfully dramatic blooms!
Pee Gee Hydrangea
The Pee Gee hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) is a tall grower with stunning fragrant flowers. Its flower buds resemble small pearls that eventually bloom into delicate, creamy flowers. Because of its fragrance, bees and other pollinators are drawn to it.
Zone: 3 to 9 (can grow in cooler zones if protected from frost in spring)
Sun: Full sun or part shade
Mature Height: from 8 to 15 feet
Water: Average to moist
Best for use as a hedge, property screen, and for flowering
Check out the Pee Gee Hydrangea product page here
Snow Hill Hydrangea
Mature Height: up to 4 feet
Water: Average to moist
Best for use as a hedge, property screen, and in cottage gardens
Check out the Snow Hill Hydrangea product page here
Hydrangea Arborescence
This Hydrangea arborescence comes in a large quality for mass plantings. If you order this option, you will receive 100 live stakes to mass plant or share with friends and family. This beautiful shrub boasts lovely, delicate clusters of flowers and blooms in summer. It also attracts pollinators with its enchanting fragrance.Zone: 3 to 9 (can grow in cooler zones if protected from frost in spring)
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Mature Height: up to 4 feet
Water: Average to moist
Best for cottage gardens, borders, as a hedge or to prevent erosion
Check out the Hydrangea: Arborescence product page here
If you have any additional questions about how to grow blue hydrangeas, feel free to reach out to us at Tennessee Nursery and ask! We love sharing our knowledge with anyone who is interested.
