The hydrangea plant is one of the great shrubs of all time, known for its stunning flower clusters that last longer than many of its contemporaries. The conical panicles come in a wide range of stunning colours, varying from pastel blues and pinks to shockingly clean whites and various combinations. However, knowing when to plant hydrangeas is a massive part of ensuring that the shrubs remain healthy in your garden for years.
This piece explores hydrangea planting UK, touching on the perfect time to plant your shrubs while also touching on aspects like proper location, soil profiles, the steps to planting and some ongoing care tips.
Start by picking your location
Before you even think about planting hydrangeas, you need to find the right spot in your garden. Whether planting hydrangeas in containers or flowerbeds, they prefer partial shade – especially in hotter areas. Some morning sun and afternoon shade is considered the best option, with all-day, intense sun known to scorch the leaves of hydrangea plants. Hydrangea paniculata planting can allow for more sun than other varieties.
Soil requirements
Hydrangeas need well-draining, moist and fertile soil that can be enhanced, prepared and understood by following these notes:
- Amending low-quality soil with organic matter like compost or aged manure
- Any pH is okay with Acidic producing bluer flowers and alkaline producing pink
- White hydrangeas aren’t impacted by soil pH
Space requirements
Speak to the seller to best understand the space requirements of the mature hydrangea that you buy. Planting climbing hydrangea varieties means you need some sort of structure for the plant to cling to.
When to plant hydrangeas UK
Once you’ve found your perfect spot in the garden, you might be in a rush to get the shrubs planted as soon as possible. Try to be patient, depending on the time of year. The best time to plant hydrangeas is at some point during either spring or autumn. This ensures that soil is softer, while ambient temperatures will be cooler, without being extreme in either direction.
This ensures the root systems can establish comfortably, preparing the plant for more intense weather conditions as the year goes on.
It’s worth noting that quality potted hydrangeas can be planted at any time of year, as long as the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged. The above instructions are more relevant to seeds or immature plants going into garden beds.
Planting steps
Now things are timed up properly, you need to understand the right planting process.
- Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball
- Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole
- Remove the hydrangea from the container
- Loosen any tighter roots
- Place the hydrangea in the hole, levelling the ball with the surrounding soil
- Backfill the hole with the soil you set aside, firming it around the roots/plant
- Water the soil thoroughly
- Apply a layer of mulch around the base
Then your hydrangea is ready to start thriving!
When do hydrangeas bloom UK?
After planting your hydrangeas, it shouldn’t take that long for them to bloom, with their blooming period known for being long compared to other plants. Generally, you can expect hydrangeas to bloom somewhere between late spring and late fall, with the panicles on display for months!
Ongoing care tips
Knowing where and when to plant hydrangeas is only part of the equation. Ongoing care will define the plants health, so make sure to:
- Water them regularly and deeply, avoiding waterlogging
- Fertilise the plants over spring
- Remove dead or damaged branches in late winter and early spring
With all of these guidelines, it should be easy enough to keep your hydrangeas healthy and thriving indefinitely! Make sure to choose hydrangeas from a quality supplier – this will set you up for success, helping the rest of the steps be as effective as possible.