🌸 Hydrangea: Growing Guide
Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) grows best in partial shade with plenty of water, and does well at −15 to 28 °C (5–82 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.0–7.0. Space plants about 150 cm (59 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Hydrangea macrophylla |
|---|---|
| Category | Ornamentals |
| Sunlight | Partial shade |
| Watering | High |
| Plant spacing | 150 cm (59 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.0–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | −15 to 28 °C (5–82 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Height | 100–200 cm (39–79 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr–May · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Apr.
Watering
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 5 days in winter. Loves plenty of water, especially in summer.
Growing tips
Color depends on pH: acidic = blue, alkaline = pink. Bigleaf, Panicle and Smooth.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Hydrangea: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jul. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr–May · Harvest: Jun–Jul. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
Hydrangea: how often should I water it?
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 5 days in winter. Loves plenty of water, especially in summer.
Hydrangea: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 150 cm (59 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 10 cm (3.9 in).
Hydrangea: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Hydrangea: which plants grow well with it?
Azalea, Rhododendron.
Hydrangea: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Powdery mildew, Botrytis, Hawk-moth.
Plan your garden
Add Hydrangea to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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