do hydrangeas grow well in south carolina

It’s the most cold hardy of the hydrangeas that we grow in South Carolina. It’s a really nice addition that you would grow in a shady area, very fertile soil, moist conditions definitely. Now, we’ve walked back up to the caboose area or the parking lot area of the South Carolina Botanical Garden

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Where do hydrangeas grow in the lower South?

The following is a list of Hydrangeas recognized as proven performers in the Lower South region. As defined by the National Gardening Association, the Lower South starts at the southern tip of coastal Virginia, swings west through the coastal plains of North and South Carolina, into central Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

Are hydrangeas growing in North Carolina?

Growing Hydrangeas in North Carolina Hydrangeas were not too long ago considered by many as “old time plants.” That is, plants found in grandma’s garden. The plant, however, is making a comeback as breeders have found ways to extend the bloom, reduce the overall size of the plant, and expand the color range of the flowers.

Do hydrangeas like full sun or shade?

While hydrangeas are marketed as adapted for full sun to part shade, here in the south it is best to plant them in part shade. Specifically, they will perform their best when planted in morning sun and afternoon shade or in a dappled shade environment.

Is a Hydrangea a shrub or a tree?

Blooming in spring and summer, the hydrangea is considered a shrub. But despite their ability to be rather large showstoppers in your yard, how to grow hydrangeas isn’t a question even the novice gardener will need to ask – these beauties all but grow themselves.

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Where do hydrangeas grow in South Carolina?

Bigleaf hydrangea prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. Avoid planting it in hot, dry, exposed sites. Most people buy hydrangeas when they are blooming, but spring or fall is the best time to set them out. For planting, dig a large hole approximately two feet across and one foot deep.

How do you take care of hydrangeas in the South?

1:384:415 Tips for Growing Panicle Hydrangeas in the South - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe want to plant our hydrangeas in the shade. As much shade as you can give them they're still goingMoreWe want to plant our hydrangeas in the shade. As much shade as you can give them they're still going to flower beautifully for you but they're going to not fry like they do in the full sun.

Where do hydrangeas grow best?

This is because hydrangeas love the warm morning sun, but they dislike the heat of the afternoon. The best place to plant hydrangeas is in a sheltered location with sunny mornings and shady afternoons. You often find this on the north or south side of your home.

Do hydrangeas grow well in the South?

They're southern natives so, naturally, that's where they grow best. With more than 70 species of hydrangea throughout the world, there's one especially well-suited for almost every garden and climate out there—including the south.

Can hydrangeas take heat?

The hydrangea species that are native to the southeast U.S., such as the oak leaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) and smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens), still typically prefer moist soils but can tolerate summer heat better. The most adaptable hydrangea is the panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata).

What is the secret to growing hydrangeas?

Most hydrangeas will thrive in fertile, well-draining soils that receive plenty of moisture. Add compost to enrich poor soil. Generally, hydrangeas prefer partial sun. Ideally, they will be given full sun in the morning, followed by some afternoon shade to protect from the hot midday sun.

What is the hardiest hydrangea?

Hydrangea paniculataHardy hydrangea - Hydrangea paniculata may just be the plant everyone's been looking for. It's a very hardy plant (USDA zone 4) and forms its buds in early summer just before it blooms in mid-summer. The flowers which appear in July or August make great cut flowers or can be easily dried to create lovely arrangements.

How long does a hydrangea last?

Hydrangeas are long-lived shrubs, sometimes living for up to 50 years if properly cared for. They enjoy morning sun but afternoon shade, and they need frequent watering during the growing season. Prune them in the fall after the blooms fade so they can grow on strong stems the following summer.

Do hydrangeas need a lot of water?

Even though hydrangeas require more water than some other shrubs, they don't like to be over-watered. It is best to have moist soil and not wet soil. One reason hydrangeas get over-watered is when they wilt in the afternoon sun.

Can hydrangeas tolerate full sun?

Most hydrangeas prefer only morning sun. Yet one type of hydrangea can soak up the sun all day: the panicle hydrangea. While they can stand the sun, these do just fine in partial shade, too. Plus, panicle hydrangeas are the hardiest hydrangeas.

What month is best to plant hydrangeas?

When is The Best Time to Plant Hydrangeas?The best time to plant a hydrangea is well before the high heat of summer arrives. ... Aim for late spring, well after any danger of frost has passed, or early fall, when night temperatures usher in cooler air.More items...•

Can hydrangeas tolerate hot afternoon sun?

This plant needs five to six hours of sunlight and won't grow in full shade. However, morning sunlight and afternoon shade is best in hot climates, as the plant won't do well in intense, direct sunlight.

How do you keep hydrangeas alive outside?

Hydrangeas prefer slightly shady spots, which will help keep plants from wilting. If your plant is located in a sunny spot, it may require more water to help it from drooping. The best time of day to water hydrangeas is the early morning or late evening, so the moisture won't quickly evaporate in the heat of the day.

When should you fertilize hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas should be lightly dressed with fast-release fertilizer in March, May, and July. Be sure to spread it around the drip line of the branches and not the base. Water well. If the fertilizer you choose is a slow-release type, remember to lightly cover it with soil to activate the fertilizer.

When should hydrangeas be pruned?

Trimming should be done immediately after flowering stops in summer, but no later than August 1. Do not prune in fall, winter, or spring or you could be cutting off new buds. Tip-pruning the branches as leaves emerge in spring can encourage multiple, smaller flower heads rather than fewer larger flower heads.

How do you care for hydrangeas in Alabama?

Hydrangeas are relatively easy to grow in well-drained soils containing plenty of organic matter. Like many southerners, they prefer warm, morning sun and cooler, afternoon shade. Avoid planting bigleaf, oakleaf, and smooth hydrangeas in hot, dry, exposed sites.

What color are hydrangeas?

Colors also beguile with deep blues, vibrant pinks, pristine whites, lavender, and rose. Some Hydrangea varieties have the added attraction of changing color, depending on the soil pH. Strongly acidic soils allow these species to produce blue flowers; slightly acidic soils will produce pink flowers.

When do hydrangeas bloom?

Amazingly versatile, Hydrangeas bloom throughout summer and into fall, providing long-lasting color when many shrubs are already fading.

What is the name of the hydrangea that has a white, sterile flower?

Hydrangea paniculata 'Tardiva'. One of the latest hydrangea to bloom, Hydrangea paniculata 'Tardiva' features upright, sharply pointed, conical panicles with the bulk of their sterile flowers loosely packed near their base. Showy, the white, sterile flowers slowly turn purplish pink as they mature.

What is a Lanarth white hydrangea?

A tremendous, compact hydrangea for tough spots, award-winning Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lanarth White' features flattened, lacecap flower heads composed of large, pure white, sterile sepals radiating around a central cluster of tiny, mauve-pink fertile florets. Sometimes, the sepals are aligned in 2 rows and the blossoms almost resemble those of Mophead Hydrangeas. Blooming from early summer until fall, the profuse blossoms are beautifully framed by the foliage of broadly ovate, luminescent, pale green leaves. Perfect for small gardens and containers!

What is a snow queen hydrangea?

Noted for its distinct, boldly lobed leaves and very showy blooms, award-winner Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snow Queen' is a deciduous shrub which provides a long season of interest. Named after the shape of its beautiful leaves, this Oakleaf Hydrangea features dense, conical flower heads, up to 8 in. (20 cm), packed with large, white ray florets taking on delightful pink tinges as fall approaches. The blossoms are not excessively large, and they remain upright. In the fall, the foliage of deeply lobed, oak-like leaves, turns bronze-purple to red. A fabulous Hydrangea to be used as a garden focal point or combined with other shrubs or perennials.

How big are Ayesha hydrangeas?

A very unique mophead hydrangea, 'Ayesha' produces an abundance of large, compact flower heads, 8 in. across (20 cm), packed with cup-shaped sepals reminiscent of lilac flowers. Opening creamy-white, the thick and fleshy sepals change to soft shell-pink, sky blue or pale mauve-lilac, depending on the soil pH.

What is a limelight hydrangea?

Native to China and Japan, Panicle Hydrangea 'Limelight' (Hydrangea paniculata) is one of the most winter hardy of the hydrangeas, featuring dense, luxuriant conical flowers, ranging from 6 to 12 in. (15-30 cm). Held upright, they are well distributed, making a very attractive plant and display. As an added bonus, they change color as they mature, gradually turning from lime-green to creamy white in late summer to a rich, deep pink before finally fading to beige in fall. As the flower show fades, the oval, dark green leaves turn to lovely shades of red for a breathtaking autumn display. Persisting well into winter, the panicles provide additional winter interest.

When do hydrangeas bloom?

The old-fashioned varieties that bloom only once, in spring, flower on “old wood,” meaning their flower buds form during late summer and fall of the previous year. Heavy pruning between fall and spring removes those buds, reducing or eliminating the spring show.

Why are my hydrangeas pink?

Excessive amounts of lime or other nutrients, particularly phosphorous, can interrupt aluminum uptake, leading to pink instead of blue flowers. If you want to know why your hydrangeas are blooming blue, pink or somewhere in between, a soil test will help you find the answer.

Do big leaf hydrangeas have a summer impact?

Few flowering shrubs deliver a summer impact like bigleaf hydrangea ( Hydrangea macrophylla ). I have a sentimental attachment to this most traditional of hydrangeas from childhood memories of family members’ gardens. Thanks to their ease of rooting and transplanting, they were easily passed down and shared with friends and neighbors.

Do hydrangeas flower on new wood?

The newer, remontant (a fancy word for reblooming) hydrangea cultivars, like Endless Summer and Penny Mac, flower on “new wood” and are more forgiving. Even if you cut off spring flower buds or lose them to frost, new ones will take their place for a later bloom.

What color are hydrangeas?

Colors also beguile with deep blues, vibrant pinks, pristine whites, lavender, and rose. Some Hydrangea varieties have the added attraction of changing color, depending on the soil pH. Strongly acidic soils allow these species to produce blue flowers; slightly acidic soils will produce pink flowers.

When do hydrangeas bloom?

Amazingly versatile, Hydrangeas bloom throughout summer and into fall, providing long-lasting color when many shrubs are already fading. Their flowers come in various shapes, ranging from the big, rounded flower clusters of the Mophead Hydrangeas, to the delicate, flat, lacy flowers of the Lacecap Hydrangeas, or to the pointy, ...

What is a Lanarth white hydrangea?

A tremendous, compact hydrangea for tough spots, award-winning Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lanarth White' features flattened, lacecap flower heads composed of large, pure white, sterile sepals radiating around a central cluster of tiny, mauve-pink fertile florets. Sometimes, the sepals are aligned in 2 rows and the blossoms almost resemble those of Mophead Hydrangeas. Blooming from early summer until fall, the profuse blossoms are beautifully framed by the foliage of broadly ovate, luminescent, pale green leaves. Perfect for small gardens and containers!

What is a snow queen hydrangea?

Noted for its distinct, boldly lobed leaves and very showy blooms, award-winner Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snow Queen' is a deciduous shrub which provides a long season of interest. Named after the shape of its beautiful leaves, this Oakleaf Hydrangea features dense, conical flower heads, up to 8 in. (20 cm), packed with large, white ray florets taking on delightful pink tinges as fall approaches. The blossoms are not excessively large, and they remain upright. In the fall, the foliage of deeply lobed, oak-like leaves, turns bronze-purple to red. A fabulous Hydrangea to be used as a garden focal point or combined with other shrubs or perennials.

What is a climbing hydrangea?

Native to Asia, Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea) is a vigorous, large, deciduous climber that clings by aerial rootlets along the stems. Masses of fragrant white flowers held in flattened clusters, up to 8 in. across (20 cm), appear in late spring to early summer. Resembling lacecap flowers, each cluster consists of tiny, creamy-white to greenish-yellow fertile flowers in the center surrounded by a ring of showy white sterile flowers. Unfurling in spring, the foliage of heart-shaped, shiny, rich dark green leaves, up to 4 in. long (10 cm), keeps its fresh look throughout the summer and turns golden-yellow in the fall. Exposed in winter, the trunk is equally attractive with its reddish brown exfoliating bark on mature stems, adding a much needed splash of color in the winter landscape. An extremely versatile vine with year-round interest which looks terrific climbing up a wall as it clothes it with its pretty foliage and delicate lacecap flowers. A very popular and elegant landscape plant. USDA 4-9

How big are Ayesha hydrangeas?

A very unique mophead hydrangea, 'Ayesha' produces an abundance of large, compact flower heads, 8 in. across (20 cm), packed with cup-shaped sepals reminiscent of lilac flowers. Opening creamy-white, the thick and fleshy sepals change to soft shell-pink, sky blue or pale mauve-lilac, depending on the soil pH.

How big do sage flowers get?

Secondly, it has an excellent winter hardiness, which makes flowering quite reliable, regardless of winter temperature. The flowers grow up to 8 in. wide (20 cm), pink in alkaline soils or blue in acidic soils. Add to Collection. Add to Any Collection.

What is the best hydrangea to grow in the summer?

There are four different types of hydrangeas grown in the United States: Oakleaf hydrangeas thrive in warmer zones. If you live in Zone 5 or warmer, oakleaf hydrangeas are a great choice, as they’re able to withstand the heat of summer. Bigleaf hydrangeas are the most common of all.

What Are Hydrangeas?

Blooming in spring and summer, the hydrangea is considered a shrub. But despite their ability to be rather large showstoppers in your yard, how to grow hydrangeas isn’t a question even the novice gardener will need to ask – these beauties all but grow themselves. Reaching up to 15 feet in height, the hydrangea grows quickly and often fills in a space in just one summer. You’ll find hydrangeas growing in hardiness Zones 3 to 7 as perennials. With flowers starting in spring and often last throughout summer into early fall, hydrangea flowers can be the foundation plant of your landscape.

Why are hydrangeas blue?

Blue hydrangea – Blue hydrangeas from the bigleaf family are only blue because of the soil they are grown in. You can purchase a blue hydrangea and find it blooms a different color next year.

How to keep hydrangeas from wilting?

Watering in the morning will help prevent hydrangeas from wilting during hot days. Add mulch underneath your hydrangeas to help keep the soil moist and cool. An organic mulch breaks down over time, adding nutrients and improving soil texture. Apply fertilizer based on your specific hydrangeas.

How to get rid of a hydrangea plant?

All you have to do is: Dig a small trench near your hydrangea plant. Bend a branch down to the trench so it touches the soil in the middle of the branch ( six to 12 inches of branch should extend past the trench). Make scratches in the bark where the branch touches the trench soil.

Why are hydrangeas called snowballs?

Smooth hydrangeas are also known as snowballs because of their large white clusters of blooms. They’re an excellent choice in cold climates.

How to make hydrangeas bloom pink?

You can also add additional aluminum sulfate to your soil throughout the growing season. Pink and red flowers shine when you add ground limestone to increase the pH. A soil pH test can help you accurately adjust your hydrangea color. Avoid pH levels above 7.5 to prevent damage to the plant.

How big do hydrangeas grow?

If you have large spaces in your yard that you need to fill then grow hydrangeas. This shrub is an incredibly fast growing plant that can quickly gain 3-4 feet in width and height in a matter of just a few years.

Which shrub is the most inexpensive to buy?

Out of all the shrubs on this list the Juniper bush is the most inexpensive to buy. Because of this most gardeners and homeowners do mass plantings to setup foundations in their yard.

What shrubs have beautiful flowers?

Viburnum shrubs are also the only shrub on the list that provides beautiful colors all year. During spring and summer the shrub has beautiful flowers that bloom and in the fall and even early winter it grows fruit that will provide lovely colors when all other plants won’t.

What is the lowest maintenance shrub?

The Spirea shrub is the lowest-maintenance plant on this list. It doesn’t require deadheading, is not prone to insect infestations or diseases, and requires very little water, and can survive heat and full-sun.

What is the best plant to add to a garden?

The hydrangea shrub is one of the best plants to add as a border to your yard or garden. In addition, it can serve as a great focal point in flower beds too.

What is the longest lasting shrub?

Spirea blooms are the longest-lasting blooms on this list. The versatility of this shrub makes it the most popular shrub too. It is perfect as a perennial border, groundcover, and hedges.

What flowers bloom in spring?

Like hydrangeas, Azaleas produce beautiful flowers that bloom throughout spring, summer, and sometimes even fall. The colors can add lovely shades of white, yellow, pink, and even orange!

What zone do hydrangeas grow in?

Most hydrangeas can adapt to a wide range of growing conditions. They are generally hardy from USDA growing zones 5 to 9. And as long as they are planted in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter, they should grow well.

What color are hydrangeas?

Their flowers now come in a wide array of colors, including bright blue, deep red, and pale green. Some hydrangeas have large, round flower clusters while others have smaller, flatter, and more delicate flowers.

Why are my hydrangea leaves yellow?

Yellowing leaves on a hydrangea can indicate that it's been overwatered, underwatered, or overfertilized. The roots are damaged and it may be possible to save the shrub by saturating the roots if the problem is that it's too dry or overfertilized. Otherwise, you may need to see if drying out the roots of an overwatered shrub will help save the plant.

Why won't my hydrangea bloom?

Hydrangeas may not bloom every season. The reason could be incorrect pruning, damage to buds during the winter, or at some point you may have overfertilized the plant. Be extra careful when pruning the type of hydrangea you have growing in your garden. Sometimes you can mistakenly prune off next year's blooms.

How to protect hydrangeas from cold?

Protect your hydrangeas from cold winds by planting them in a sheltered spot or with a burlap windscreen or burlap frame filled with dry leaves.

How big does a hydrangea get?

Hydrangea macrophylla: Also known as bigleaf hydrangea, this species grows to around 6 to 10 feet tall and wide and has leaves that reach around 6 inches long. Hydrangea arborescens: Known as smooth hydrangea, this shrub reaches around 3 to 5 feet tall and wide and produces white to pink flowers.

How do hydrangeas change color?

Although somewhat determined by cultivar, the color can be tweaked by the amount of aluminum in the soil and the soil pH. The soil pH determines how available aluminum is to the plants.

What is the name of the hydrangea that grows in North America?

There are two hydrangea species that are native to North America: Hydrangea arborescens (smooth hydrangea) and Hydrangea quercifolia (oak leaf hydrangea). Hydrangea arborescens can tolerate more sun than other hydrangeas. Hydrangea querciforia has outstanding leaves that resemble our oak leaves. In the fall these leaves turn brilliant shades ...

How big do hydrangeas grow?

Pay attention to the sizes of the new cultivars coming on the market. Some, like Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Paris Rapa’ only grow 1-3 feet tall and wide. Cityline Mars hydrangea / Proven Winners. Hydrangeas are not deer resistant.

Why do hydrangeas turn blue?

Hydrangeas with the tendency to turn blue are found in low pH soils with aluminum, while higher pH soils with low to no aluminum will be pink. This actually is only true with the large leaf hydrangeas – Hydrangea macrophyllas and Hydrangea serrata. I rescued a hydrangea from my husband’s great grandmother’s garden where it was blue. I planted it in my landscape where it was blue, purple, and pink all on the same plant.

What are some names for hydrangeas?

This, combined with names like Incrediball, Cityline Mars, Let’s Dance Starlight, and Edgy Hearts, will have you wanting to take another look at hydrangeas and find a space for them in your garden.

How to contact a Durham County Extension Master Gardener?

Want more information about growing hydrangeas in North Carolina? Contact a Durham County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer at 919-560-0528 or email [email protected].

Do hydrangeas have leaf spots?

Hydrangeas have few pests, but are susceptible to both leaf spot diseases and powdery mildew. Many of the newer cultivars have been bred for resistance to powdery mildew. Implementing good pest management strategies such as watering at the root zone and not on the leaves, removing fallen leaf litter, followed by a 2-3 inch layer of mulch will also help to reduce those problems.

Is a Mars Hydrangea deer resistant?

Cityline Mars hydrangea / Proven Winners. Hydrangeas are not deer resistant. In fact, deer enjoy them very much. To prevent the total destruction of this plant, plant this shrub near the house and surround it with less desirable resistant plants.