Hydrangeas: grow them in pots or the ground, and make the most of this popular perennial

Hydrangeas are one of the most sought-after perennial shrubs, prized for their lush foliage and stunning, long-lasting flowers.

Key points

• Hydrangeas can thrive in containers, but for optimal health, planting them in the ground is recommended.
• Choose dwarf varieties for container Gardening to accommodate the shrub's growing needs.
• With proper care, hydrangeas can flourish in both garden beds and pots.

Should you grow hydrangeas in pots or in the ground?

While hydrangeas can initially be found in containers, they will eventually need to be transplanted into the garden to ensure their health and growth.

Plants grown in the ground have an easier time thriving due to better access to water, nutrients, and room for their roots to expand.

When it's better to grow hydrangeas in pots

There are circumstances where container-grown hydrangeas are the better choice:

• No garden: If you live in an apartment or condo with no outdoor green space, a hydrangea in a sunny window or patio can still bring joy.
• Poor soil: In cases where the garden soil is rocky or lacking essential nutrients, a pot allows for better control over soil quality.
• Too much shade: Most hydrangea varieties won't thrive in full shade. Container Gardening enables you to place the shrub in a sunny location.
• Extremely cold and windy winters: Container-grown hydrangeas can be easily relocated to a protected area during harsh winter conditions.
• Color control: If you want to experiment with pH levels to alter bloom color, a pot makes it easier to do so.

How to choose the right hydrangea variety for pots

Opt for a dwarf variety when choosing a hydrangea for container Gardening to ensure the plant remains compact and manageable over time.

Some popular dwarf hydrangea options for pots include:

• Endless Summer (H. macrophylla): Blooms pink or blue all summer, growing 18-36 inches tall and wide, hardy in zones 4-9.
• Heart Throb (H. macrophylla): Dark red blooms, hardy in zones 5-9, reaching 3 feet tall and wide at maturity.
• Wee Bit Grumpy (H. macrophylla): Bloom color depends on soil pH, reaching 2 feet tall in zones 4-9.
• Sikes Dwarf (H. quercifolia): Petite oakleaf hydrangea, hardy in zones 5-9, growing 2-3 feet tall with white blooms.
• Bobo (H. paniculata): Features white, upright panicle blooms all summer, hardy in zones 3-8, reaching 3 feet in height.
• Invincibelle Wee White (H. arborescens): Smooth-leafed hydrangea, blooms all summer, hardy in zones 3-8, growing 1-2.5 feet tall.

Tips for growing hydrangeas

With regular watering, fertilization, and pruning, you can enjoy stunning hydrangeas all summer long:

• In pots: Water frequently, protect from direct sun, and move to a sheltered location during freezing temperatures and harsh winds. Fertilize regularly.
• In the ground: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, mulch well, provide afternoon shade during the summer blooming period, and prune at the correct time for your variety. Fertilize in the spring with a well-balanced fertilizer.