Bring the Outdoors Home

Hydrangea | Plant Profile

Hydrangeas are extremely popular options in the Pennsylvania climate. There are many varieties or hydrangea, with varying colors and sizes. The ‘Bailmer’ variety is pictured. Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs with large rounded brightly colored flowers. These long lived blooms can be present from July to September. The leaves are light to dark green and are often serrated.

Hydrangeas prefer fertile, well drained soils in part shade. While they can tolerate full sun, they must be watered regularly. Pruning is sometimes required to remove dead stems after winter. Hydrangeas need some winter protection and should be mulched or located in a sheltered area. Harsh winters may prevent these plants from blooming. ‘Bailer’ is quite winter hardly and should reliably bloom regardless of winter damage.

Hydrangeas are often massed as natural borders or along fences. They can be beautiful accent pieces where height and large flowers are desired.

 

Description

Hydrangea Characteristics

Hydrangeas are unique in that the flowers can change color depending on the acidity of the soil. White varieties remain white regardless, but blues become bluer in acidic soils. In more basic soils, flowers can appear soft yellow or pink. Aluminum sulfate make soil more acidic and can make the flowers bluer. Lime can be added to soils to remove acidity and encourage softer pink and yellow colors.

Pruning damaged stems in late winter can encourage new growth in spring. Some varieties are not particularly winter hardy. They should be installed in a sheltered location with plenty of mulch. While unattractive, burlap wraps can help hydrangeas survive harsh winters. If not protected in winter, foliage may die back and blooms may be sparse.

Bud blight, bacterial wilt, leaf spot, and mildew are all possible blights of hydrangeas.

USDA Climate Zone
Zones 4 - 9
Height
3.00 - 4.00'
Spread
3.00 - 4.00'
Bloom Time
July - September
Water
Medium
Sun
Part Shade
Maintenance
Low
Deer Resistant?
No