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Hydrangea FAQ
It's hard not to notice hydrangeas this time of the year in the south- Their gigantic blooms put on quite a show and spark interest as well as questions among gardeners. Here are some of the most common questions we receive concerning hydrangeas, and answers, so you can be in-the-know! For more information about the different types of hydrangeas and how to care for them check out our
June 2009 e-newsletter.
How much sun can hydrangeas take?
Oakleaf (Hydrangea quercifolia) and French (H. macrophylla) hydrangeas do best in morning sun with shade or filtered sun by mid-morning through the afternoon. There are several types that will tolerate sunnier spots: 'Annabelle' (H. arborescens), 'Pee Gee,' 'Limelight' and 'Tardiva' (H. paniculata).
Why haven't my hydrangeas bloomed?
There are three possible reasons: 1) They are not receiving enough sunlight- hydrangeas need 2-3 hours of morning sun to produce blooms. 2) A late cold snap froze the flowerbuds.
3) They were pruned in fall or winter and flowerbuds were removed.
When do I prune my hydrangeas?
French hydrangeas- immediately after they bloom
Oakleaf hydrangeas- late winter
Annabelle hydrangeas- late winter
PeeGee, Limelight and Tardiva- immediately after they bloom
How do I change the color of the blooms?
Only blooms of the French hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) can be manipulated and the white-blooming varieties will stay white no matter what. For blue/purple blooms add aluminum sulfate to the soil, for red/pink add lime (follow label directions) and allow a year for the change to start.
I want a hydrangea that will bloom all summer- which one should I buy?
Repeat-blooming French Hydrangeas include 'Endless Summer,' 'Penny Mac' and 'Mini Penny.' Trim spent blooms of these for an even better chance of a second show.
Are there any hydrangeas that stay small?
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Pia' and 'Mini Penny' (French) and H. quercifolia 'Pee Wee' (Oakleaf) are the best dwarf varieties.
Which are the "wild" hydrangeas?
The Oakleaf hydrangeas (H. quercifolia) are native to the eastern and southern U.S and can be found growing wild in woods all across our great state!
My hydrangeas have black spots on the leaves- what is this?
Overhead irrigation from a sprinkler system or garden hose causes these spots as water droplets sit on the leaves. To avoid this, water your hydrangeas at ground level and avoid splashing water on the leaves. | 
Since they do all of their growing in one season, annual vines are a great option for quick coverage and non-stop blooms through fall. We have a great selection of some tried-and-true favorites, 1 gallon, for only $6.99 each! Plant one near a trellis, lamp post, or porch railing or, here's a FRESH IDEA: Plant in a container for cascading color or in the ground for a rambling and colorful groundcover! Choose from Black-Eyed Susan Vine (pictured here), Cardinal Climber, Hyacinth Bean Vine, Moonvine or Morning Glory.