Hydrangeas are beautiful plants that can add a pop of color to any area they’re in. However, when it comes to caring for hydrangeas, many people want to move them outside, especially as the weather starts to warm up in spring. But can you plant hydrangeas outside?
You can plant hydrangeas outside. However, it’s important to make sure they aren’t in direct sunlight around midday. Otherwise, they can get scorched by the sun. The ideal temperature for growing hydrangeas is 15-18°C (60-64°F).
If you’re debating on whether or not to plant hydrangeas outdoors, this article is for you. In this article, I’ll go over whether or not it’s safe to plant hydrangeas outside, the best time to plant them outdoors, and the ideal location. I’ll also go over how to plant them and the best hydrangea varieties to choose from.
Are Hydrangeas Safe To Plant Outside?
Hydrangeas are one of the best plants to put outside, as they provide a beautiful and colorful display. They come in a variety of colors, which makes them a great addition to any garden.
There are many factors that go into deciding whether or not it’s safe for hydrangeas to be planted outside. The main factor to remember is the outdoor temperature. If the temperature is extremely hot, it’s not safe to grow hydrangeas outdoors.
Hydrangeas aren’t safe to plant outside during the winter months either, as they need to be planted in pH-neutral soil, or they’ll die. The best time to plant hydrangea is spring or summer when temperatures don’t drop below 45°F (7.22°C).
There are many things that you can do to keep your hydrangeas blooming outside all year long. Some of these things include pruning, deadheading, and watering them regularly.
However, the secret to keeping your hydrangeas blooming outside all year long is to take proper care of them. This means giving them plenty of sunlight, water, and fertilizer.
When Can I Plant Hydrangeas Outside?
Hydrangeas are a type of flowering shrub that is native to the Mediterranean region. They grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zones 7 through 10 and can be planted in the ground or grown in containers.
To grow outside, Hydrangeas will need a mild, temperate climate like USDA zones 6 and 7. Therefore, people can grow their hydrangeas outside without worry if they live in states such as:
- Kentucky
- Georgia
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Mississippi
However, it’s important to know the best time of year to plant hydrangeas outside as well as how to take care of them.
The best time to plant hydrangeas outside is in the fall and early spring, preferably between April and May, when they’re actively in bloom. This is because they need to be planted in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
Best Time To Transplant Your Potted Gift Hydrangeas Outdoors
Some gardeners might want to know the best time to transplant their potted gift hydrangeas outside. There are many factors that can affect this decision.
When you plant your gift hydrangeas outside, it’s important to do it at the proper time of year. You should also pay attention to the season when you plan on planting them outside.
Mid- to late spring is the best time to transplant your gift hydrangeas outside. This helps the roots stuffed up inside the pot or container of your gift to grow in warm and well-hydrated soil. It also increases its chance of blooming the following season.
The best time to plant hydrangeas is when they’re first produced. New plants need time to establish themselves and put down roots before they can grow properly.
Best Location To Plant Hydrangeas Outside
Hydrangeas can be planted outdoors but should be planted in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Hydrangeas need moist soil and a lot of water to thrive, but they also need a certain amount of sunlight each day.
Therefore, you must choose a location where they will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight (morning or late afternoon sunlight) each day.
Choosing a location where they can get sunlight without being shaded by other plants or trees is also important. So it’s not ideal for planting your hydrangeas under a tree with a thick canopy that blocks sunlight.
I suggest you put the hydrangea in a spot where it gets early morning sun when the light is soft. Use a shade cloth to avoid scorching it with the harsh midday sun.
For instance, you can try hanging up the ECTY Perfect Sunblock Shade Cloth (available on Amazon) over the plant. It’s made using 100% UV-stabilized polyethylene, making it extremely lightweight, breathable, and durable.
How To Plant a Hydrangea Outside
Hydrangeas are known for their beautiful flowers that grow in clusters on the stem and their ability to tolerate a variety of environments. However, they need to be planted in a sunny and well-drained location.
Hydrangeas don’t require much care or attention, but they do require full sunlight and lots of water. When planting hydrangeas outside, make sure you have enough room for the plants to grow and spread.
It’s essential to know what plants are best for your area and how much sunlight and water they need. Here are some easy steps to follow while planting your hydrangeas outside:
- Check the variety of the hydrangea. You want to make sure that your plant is compatible with your climate and needs.
- Dig a hole deep and wide enough for the plant’s root ball (almost twice the current pot size). This can be done by using a shovel, spade, or trowel.
- After digging the hole, water and massage the roots of your plant. This will help it get established in its new home.
- Deep soak its root system by pouring water into the bottom of the hole. This will help it to establish and grow better. Make sure you deep soak the plant’s root system by submerging it in a bucket of water for at least six hours before planting it in the ground.
- Add mulch around your newly planted hydrangea to help retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing up around it. You can use soil mix amended with organic compost. You should also add mulch around them to keep moisture in and protect their roots from drying out too quickly.
- Plant the hydrangea in the hole, halfway up its height if it’s taller than you want it to be. Once you’ve completed this step, you’ve successfully planted a hydrangea outdoors. It’s important to remember that it’ll take a few years for the plant to bloom.
The best time to check if your hydrangea is ready to bloom is when the last of its leaves are turning brown, which signals the end of its growing season.
To have a better understanding, watch this short 3-min YouTube video on how to plant hydrangeas:
If you have a hydrangea plant that isn’t doing well, you can try planting them outside. This will give the plant more space, and hopefully encourage it to grow bigger and healthier.
Best Varieties of Hydrangeas To Plant Outside
Hydrangeas are beautiful and easy-to-grow plants. They come in a wide variety of colors and have different types that are suitable for different climates. You can plant hydrangeas outside in your garden, or you can even put them on your balcony or patio.
Therefore, it’s important to choose some of the best varieties of hydrangeas to plant outside in your garden. The list includes:
- “Grandiflora” or Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangeas: This variety is perfect for the front of a gate because it will produce showy flowers with long stems that look like bouquets.
- “White Dome” or Annabelle Hydrangeas: The flowers of this variety are creamy white or pure white and grow in clusters, making them a great addition to your garden. They also have large leaves so that they will provide shade in the summertime.
- “Oakleaf” Hydrangeas: The flowers of this variety are light blue. This is great for adding a pop of color to your garden. Also, these are the least-maintenance hydrangea species.
- “Climbing” Hydrangeas: This is the most unique variety in the hydrangea family. It grows like a vine but thrives in full shade in hot hardiness zones like 4 and 5. It can grow up to 50ft (15.24 m) in height and creates a lace-cap-like cluster of blooming foliage in summer.
Conclusion
If you have a garden (or even a balcony), then you should plant hydrangeas outside. They’re beautiful and have a long blooming period. However, they do require some care in order to keep them alive outside all year long.
Hydrangeas are best planted in early fall or spring. The soil should be warm and moist to provide the best conditions for the plant to grow.
However, it’s important to remember that hydrangeas need full sunlight for six hours a day, so they shouldn’t be planted in full shady areas. Partly shady, however, is fine around midday.
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Hi! I’m Sophia, and I love plants – especially an expert in growing house plants. I stay in Chicago, United States of America, and through my blog and social media platforms, provide tips and tricks on how to grow healthy, vibrant plants indoors. Check out more here.