Everything you need to know about planting hydrangeas: from the location in a pot or bed to the right soil and suitable companion plants for the hydrangea.
The genus of hydrangeas (Hydrangea) includes a large number of different hydrangea species. However, the most famous representative in our gardens is by far the peasant hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla). Find out everything you need to know about planting the star among the hydrangeas in your own garden here.
In the following you will find out which location and which soil conditions the hydrangea needs. We also show the differences between planting hydrangeas in pots, beds and as a hedge. You will also find tips on transplanting and the right companion plants for hydrangeas.
Planting hydrangeas: The ideal location
A large number of the woody and mostly shrubby hydrangeas come from the temperate latitudes of East Asia. Their natural habitat is there in the undergrowth of native forests. According to their natural occurrence, they are not exposed to much light. And so the hydrangeas, which are popular here, prefer a more shady place in the garden. However, a partially shaded location is ideal. Because if there is too much shade, the growth habit of the hydrangea will be affected. Over the years, only long, thin-leaved shoots develop and the flowering power suffers. Hydrangeas can get used to a sunny location quite well over time, but due to the high water requirement, drought damage can occur unexpectedly quickly.
Planting hydrangeas: soil requirements
As for the soil in which the hydrangea is to take root, it has to meet somewhat specific requirements. It is not a disadvantage if the pH of the soil is slightly more acidic. If it is between 4 and 5, it is optimal. However, it should not rise above 5.5. If the hydrangeas are to shine in a strong blue or purple, the pH value of the soil can generally be somewhat lower than for pink, red or white hydrangea varieties. If the pH is slightly more alkaline,this does not have any drastic or life-threatening effects on the growth of the hydrangea. However, it can very well lead to deficiency symptoms or not to the desired color development. Find out more about yellow leaves on hydrangeas here.
Planting hydrangeas is not just about the right pH value. Hydrangeas are plants whose high water requirements have to be met. Otherwise, dry damage can quickly occur. Therefore, it is beneficial to choose a site where the soil has good water retention abilities. However, the subsoil must not tend to become waterlogged, as this could quickly lead to root rot and the hydrangea dying off.
An overview of the best location for planting hydrangeas:
- pH between 4 and 5.5
- Good water storage and availability
- No waterlogging
- Semi-shady location
Plant Hydrangea
Hydrangeas can be cultivated not only in beds, but also wonderfully as potted plants. If you can't get enough of the beautiful hydrangeas, we also show you how to plant a hydrangea hedge.
Planting hydrangea in the bed
If the hydrangea is to be planted in the bed and the right location has been found, you should first think through how to proceed. In soils with too high a pH value, it can be advisable to dig a slightly larger hole. This leaves room for some substrate with a suitable pH value, such as rhododendron earth. Of course, the hydrangea should also be watered well before planting and then watered afterwards. The soil around the plant can be loosened a little to make it easier for the hydrangea to take root. Under no circumstances should the loosened soil around the planted hydrangea be compacted with energetic steps in order to help it "better" hold in the ground.
Summary of planting hydrangeas in the bed:
- If necessary, replace some of the soil with a substrate with a suitable pH value
- Water hydrangea well before planting
- Loosen the soil around the hydrangea
- Do not plant hydrangea too deep
- Press the substrate lightly and do not compact it by pressing down vigorously with your foot
- Water the hydrangea last so that the substrate settles
Create a hydrangea bed
Would you like a whole bed of hydrangeas in theCreate a garden, then you will find a summary of all the important steps in our video instructions. Below you can read the procedure again in detail.
If you want to create a hydrangea bed, you should choose a sunny to partially shaded spot in the garden. Ideally, hydrangeas are planted in spring or early summer, but autumn is also possible for planting. When planning, keep in mind that the hydrangeas will still grow and rather leave a little more planting distance. The planting holes should each be twice as wide and deep as the pot of the hydrangea planted in that spot. The soil at the bottom of the planting holes is loosened up a bit with a hoe so that the roots can spread out better. In order to meet the soil requirements of the hydrangea, some special hydrangea soil with a low pH value can be placed in the planting hole. The low-peat Floragard Organic Sour Soil is excellently suited. This contains additional fertilizer that makes it easier for your hydrangeas to grow. This is how you create ideal conditions for the hydrangea bed. Garden soil and potting soil are mixed vigorously to stimulate rooting of the hydrangeas.
"Before the hydrangeas are put into the bed, the bales should be watered well. To do this, you can place the plants in a bucket of water until no more air bubbles rise. Immediately before planting, the root balls are then carefully loosened a little to promote their growth. Place the hydrangea in the planting hole and fill it up with the mixture of garden soil and hydrangea soil.
Tip: Don't plant your hydrangea too deep. The top of the root ball should be level with the ground.
Planting hydrangeas in pots
In terms of site requirements, it makes no difference whether the hydrangea is planted in a container or in a bed. Especially in the pot, she is happy when her wish for a semi-shady location can be fulfilled. Because when cultured in a pot, the hydrangea has to be watered more often than is the case in the bed. That's why the planter shouldn't be too small.
Since hydrangeas prefer a slightly more acidic pH value in the root area, it is advisable to use a special soil for Morbeet plants. For an optimal water supply, the hydrangea is watered before planting in abucket of water until no more air bubbles rise. After planting, you should water the hydrangea well again so that the loosened substrate settles and the roots have access to water and nutrients.
Summary of planting hydrangea in a pot:
- Semi-shady location
- Do not choose a planter that is too small
- Water hydrangea well before planting
- Use special soil for planting lime-sensitive ericaceous plants
- Don't forget to water after planting
Plant hydrangea as a hedge
There is often a desire to create a hydrangea hedge. Unfortunately, the classic peasant hydrangea is not so suitable for this. On the one hand, the growth is rather inappropriate and on the other hand, most varieties cannot be pruned without having to lose flowering power. The reason for this is that the blossoms of the farmer's hydrangeas were planted in autumn. However, other types of hydrangea can be used to make the wish for a hydrangea hedge come true. The panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata), for example, is very suitable for this. It can be trained to have a more angular growth through pruning measures. When it comes to the flower color of this hydrangea species, unfortunately only white and a touch of pink are available. With a planting distance of one meter, a dense hedge is quickly created. However, this must be watered regularly in a dry summer and must not simply be forgotten until the annual one-off cut in autumn or spring.
Summary of planting hydrangeas as a hedge:
- The panicle hydrangea is best suited
- Planting distance of 1 m suitable
- Requires regular watering as needed
- Once a year topiary in autumn or spring (possible up to half of the shoot length)
Transplant Hydrangea
Moving is always associated with stress and effort - this also applies to hydrangeas. So it would be ideal if she didn't have to move from her place in the first place. However, if a few tricks are followed, the hydrangea usually copes with the change of location unscathed.
Transplanting hydrangeas: the right time
Hydrangeas are best transplanted in autumn. Then you will not have to sprout the exhausting and water-sapping foliage. Consequentlyinitially there is a breathing space for the development of new roots. Of course, a hydrangea can also be transplanted in spring or summer, but then the risk of drought damage is increased.
Transplanting Hydrangea: Instructions
With the right approach, you will have successfully transplanted your hydrangea in no time. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- The best time is autumn
- First prepare a new planting hole
- Dig out generous root ball
- The diameter of the root ball should be based on the diameter of the plant
- Loosen the plant carefully
- Ensure that the root ball remains intact and nothing breaks out
- Plant hydrangea in a new location
Tip: When planting hydrangeas, a fertilizer with long-term organic effects should be worked into the soil. The slowly released nutrients and the activation of soil life are a good basis for a he althy hydrangea. Fertilization is particularly important in the pot, as the nutrients are used up more quickly than in the bed due to the smaller volume of substrate. Our Plantura organic hydrangea fertilizer is ideal. It is based on animal-free raw materials from the food, luxury goods and animal feed industries as well as mineral components that are also used in organic farming and provides your hydrangea with all the important nutrients. On the other hand, if you plant blue hydrangeas, you need a special fertilizer that preserves the blue color. You can read more about this in our article on turning blue hydrangeas.
Companion for Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas alone are a real eye-catcher in the garden, but in combination with other beauties the wow effect in the bed can be increased. We show suitable companion plants of the hydrangea for different purposes.
Hydrangeas and companion plants in the border
A bed only becomes interesting when something is blooming. This is the case, for example, in a perennial bed. Therefore, it makes sense to plant different perennials around the hydrangea. The following plants do particularly well:
- Strong contrasts and autumn/winter coloring grasses
- Colorful Anemone (Anemonae)
- Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla epipsila)
- Christmas or Lenten Roses (Helleborus niger & Helleborus x hybridus)
- Rich Ferns
- Flowering Knotweed (Bistorta)
Of course, a variety of other plants can be combined with hydrangeas. Most importantly, they share the same location preferences as the hydrangea, with the shady location being the strongest.
Plant companion plants under the hydrangea
It is also conceivable to plant in the shade of the hydrangea. Especially with large, expansive specimens, there is a lot of space that does not have to remain unused. There are several options:
- Spring flowering and flowering bulbs and tuberous plants such as daffodils, tulips or crocuses
- Grow shade-tolerant ground covers like ivy (Hedera helix) or bugle (Ajuga) in the shade of deciduous hydrangea
You can find out how to care for your hydrangeas after planting in our special article.