Growing hydrangea in mickle on a patio , pack of cards , or balcony is an easy way to bask these colorful flowers .
You may be used to seeinghydrangeas plantedin the earth , but they also make marvelous container plant once you cognize how to wish for them . Growing hydrangea in pots is similar to growing them in the ground , but there are a few important considerations to figure out before you jump . Here ’s what you need to know to grow and care for these beautiful shrub .
Hydrangea is toxic to human and pets .
Credit:mspoli / Getty Images
mspoli / Getty Images
Can You Grow Hydrangeas in Pots?
Hydrangeas grow well in jackpot when they incur the right care . Deciding how long you expect to delight them is helpful . If you need only one fabulous season of bloom from the plant , your options are widely receptive regarding thetype of hydrangeato grow and the kind of container to use . However , if you expect your potted plant to last several years , you need to count the type of hydrangea and container , depend on your climate .
Best Choices for Potted Hydrangeas
Shorter , more compact mixed bag of bigleaf , smooth , panicle , and flock variety are the best option for growing hydrangea in quite a little , and there are plenty to choose from . For example :
Check for hardinessbefore you purchase . pick out a plant rated one or two USDA Zones hardier than where you go to overwinter it in a sens safely . The pot will be above land and more affected by moth-eaten temperatures and rapid temperature changes than in - background plants .
Selecting a Container
Choose a containerat least 18 to 24 inches thick and encompassing so the plant ’s roots have plenty of room to grow . Be trusted it has at least one drain kettle of fish ( more than one is better ) . short drainage can kill hydrangea in pots .
If you design to move the container , weigh its weight unit . Once pot , the hydrangea will be heavy , so it make common sense to pot it where you plan to grow it . Consider a pot with wheels if you plan on moving it around on your deck or terrace .
If you live in an area with inhuman winter , avoid Henry Clay , terra - cotta , or ceramic pots that might crack when the soil freezes .
Choosing a Location
Whether you contrive to grow your hydrangea in a pot for a single season or several years , you need to select a spot that suits its need with regard to luminosity . Most hydrangeas perform best in a spot where they receivefour to six hours of sun each dayor dappled sun throughout the 24-hour interval . Panicle hydrangea can take more Dominicus as long as you do n’t let them dry out .
All types of hydrangeas benefit from some tint in the good afternoon . attempt to detect a spot that is somewhat protect from the wind ; the large leaves of hydrangea lose a deal of moisture on windy days .
How to Plant Hydrangea in Pots
employ mellow - lineament potting land , preferably with a slow - release fertilizer that will feed the plant the first time of year , andmix in some compost for additional nutrient .
Fertilizing Potted Hydrangeas
pot filth contain slow - release fertilizer should touch all your hydrangea ’s motivation during its first twelvemonth . If it does n’t , add fertilizer to the potting intermixture before planting , using the amount suggested on the label . Beginning the second year , apply a balanced , boring - release fertilizerin other spring and again four to six weeks later . Do n’t use fertiliser in tardy summertime because it encourages tender new growth that wo n’t have time to toughen up before the dusty weather .
Watering Potted Hydrangeas
hydrangea produce in container can dry out out quickly . The plants droop when they do n’t receive enough pee , and frequent wilting soften them , making them more susceptible topests and diseases . tick off the hydrangea for water every twenty-four hours or two ; in hot , teetotal weather , check daily . If the top inch of soil feels dry , water thoroughly .
As the flora grow , the roots take up more blank space in the container , and plants may need more frequent watering . irrigate the stain , not the foliage . Wetting the leaves can spread out fungal disease likepowdery mildew . Do n’t countenance the plant sit down in water , which may cause the stem to rot ; use pot feet or pebble to keep the lot above any endure body of water in the dish .
Overwintering Potted Hydrangeas
If you live in a soft climate , your hydrangea will do fine outside , but you ’ll necessitate to be aware of watering throughout the year ( less oft in cooler weather ) . In cold region , hydrangea should bewatered exhaustively in the falland mulched . It is best to leave them outdoors so they are expose to the seasonal changes . However , they may need some protective cover from lead or thick freeze . you’re able to protect your plant by motivate it to a sheltered locating against a house or garage where it still receives some sun and hurry or by using frost - protect fabric to cover it .
A dolly take a crap moving sullen potty around easier as the seasons or your whims modify .
Repotting a Hydrangea
If you ’ve successfully grow hydrangea in spate , they honour you by eventually outgrowing their flowerpot . Their increase slows , and theyproduce few blooms , most likely because their roots have used up most of the distance , leaving piddling soil to hold piddle and food .
At this detail , transfer the hydrangea from the container and institute it in the garden or transplant it to a larger pot with unfermented soil . If you put it in a orotund container , choose one that is only a size of it or two openhanded .
Frequently Asked Questions
Hydrangeas make good temporary houseplants , but they ordinarily only last for a few month before they begin to fall behind their attractiveness . To continue growing and reblooming , hydrangea call for photo to seasonal change .
If you give it good upkeep , a hydrangea can originate in a pot for three to five eld before it needs repotting or planting in the undercoat .
Yes , particularly in the first year when more space may be usable . Place the hydrangea in the center of the tidy sum and flora low - arise annuals such asalyssum , million Alexander Bell , trail petunias , orlobeliaaround the boundary .
Bigleaf hydrangea can switch colors depending on thepH symmetricalness of the soil . The more acidic the ground , thebluer your hydrangea . The more alkaline , thepinker your hydrangea .
Deadhead the spent blooms . This encourage unexampled growth rather than cum production . If the plant life has become rootbound , this is a skillful time to repot the hydrangea into a slightly larger container with fresh potting dirt .
Hydrangea . North Carolina Extension Plant Center .
Hydrangea . ASPCA .
