How Do You Plant a Hydrangea Tree

Hydrangea trees produce beautiful flowers in shades of pink, white, blue, and purple. These trees can be planted in a garden or in a pot—either way, they make a stunning addition to any outdoor space. If you're thinking about planting a hydrangea tree, here's what you need to know.

Choosing Your Hydrangea Tree

The first thing you'll need to do when planting a hydrangea tree is choose the variety that you want. There are several different types of hydrangeas to choose from, including bigleaf, smooth, panicle, and oakleaf hydrangeas.

Bigleaf hydrangeas have the classic mophead flowers that change color based on soil acidity, while smooth hydrangeas have larger and less showy flowers that bloom from summer to fall. Panicle hydrangeas have cone-shaped flowers that turn from white to pink, and oakleaf hydrangeas have white flowers that turn pink or red in the fall.

Consider the size of the tree you want as well, as some varieties can grow up to 25 feet tall while others will stay more compact.

Preparing the Soil

Once you've chosen your hydrangea tree, it's time to prepare the planting area. These trees prefer well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter, so it's important to amend the soil if necessary. You can do this by adding compost, aged manure, or other organic materials to the soil.

Hydrangeas also prefer slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. You can adjust the pH of the soil with amendments like sulfur or lime, but it's best to do a soil test to determine the pH before planting.

Planting Your Hydrangea Tree

When it's time to plant your hydrangea tree, dig a hole that's twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Gently remove the tree from its container and place it in the hole. Add soil around the roots and gently tamp down to remove air pockets.

Water the tree deeply after planting, and continue to water it regularly throughout the growing season. Mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

Caring for Your Hydrangea Tree

Hydrangeas require regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. They also benefit from being fed with a high-quality fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. Prune your tree in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears.

If you're growing a bigleaf or oakleaf hydrangea, you can adjust the color of the flowers by adjusting the pH of the soil. For blue flowers, maintain a pH of 5.5 or lower, while for pink flowers, maintain a pH of 6.5 or higher. Use a soil test kit to determine the pH of your soil.

In Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you can successfully plant and care for a beautiful hydrangea tree. Choose the variety that suits your space and preferences, prepare the soil, plant the tree, and care for it as it grows. With a little effort, your hydrangea tree will reward you with stunning blooms year after year.