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Hydrangea trees are a stunning yet elegant addition to any landscape or garden. Hydrangea trees are shrubs that are pruned to look like trees to create an eye-catching plant that is beautiful to look at. You’ll have what looks like a tree covered in bright clusters of flowers. You’ll want to plant these near a sitting area so you can enjoy them day after day.
Hydrangea trees, sometimes called a hydrangea standard, reach a medium height and width, so they shouldn’t take over any areas. You can plant them along walkways, near mailboxes and patios, in containers, or by themselves. They work well as accent plants or focal points, so they’re sure to fit somewhere in your garden.
We offer several gorgeous types of Hydrangea trees that we’re confident you’ll love. If you want subtle color, our Limelight Hydrangea blooms white and pale green. If you want something more striking, you’ll love the bright pink and white that the Fire Light Hydrangea boasts.
Hydrangea Trees Care Overview
Hydrangea trees are easy to care for if you can water them regularly and provide enough sun. These trees prefer full sun or partial shade. If keeping moist soil will be challenging, the partial shade will be the better option.
Annual pruning is recommended, although you don’t have to do this to see new blooms each year, making it a low-maintenance plant.
The flowers will bloom in spring and summer and occasionally in fall. Once the temperatures cool and the flowers stop blooming, expect to see a beautiful display of fall foliage.
Hydrangea Tree Bloom Time
Hydrangea trees will bloom in mid-summer and continue flowering until the frost. Their white blossoms will change to pink or red as the days get shorter and the nights cooler. A dependable performer, hydrangea trees will bloom every year.
Growing Hydrangea Tree In Pots
Hydrangea trees can do very well in a large container on a deck or patio. This can be a great option if you live in a cold region and are not sure a hydrangea tree would survive your winters.
Choose a large pot with suitable drainage holes. When overwintering, check to ensure the soil has not entirely dried out. You may need to water it gently to keep the soil slightly moist (it dries out quicker in above-ground containers) even though the tree is dormant.
Information on Planting Hydrangea Trees
Wondering when to plant hydrangea trees? Spring is the best time of year to plant Hydrangea trees. You can also plant them in the fall, but a spring planting will give them an entire growing season to develop a sturdy root system allowing the plant to grow well the following year.
Hydrangea standards enjoy full sun but will grow in partial shade. In hotter climates, a little afternoon shade is helpful to shield them from the full effects of the more powerful afternoon rays. They are tolerant of many soil types and can even withstand some salt.
Dig a hole deep enough that the root ball will be covered but be sure not to dig any deeper. The width should be double the height of the root ball. Fill in the hole with well-draining soil and water deeply. Keep the plant well-watered during its first year to establish a strong and deep root system.
How To Propagate Hydrangea
If you’d like to turn your hydrangea tree into two hydrangea trees, you can propagate it. During the spring when the plant is in bloom, remove some healthy stem cuttings that are a little under 6” long. Place the stem cuttings into some damp potting mix and keep them watered for the next few weeks while giving them partial sunlight. After a couple months of growing in a pot, your young hydrangea plants will be ready for the garden.
Hydrangea Tree Zone
Most Hydrangea trees are suitable for USDA zones 3-9, which cover most of the US. The one exception is the Pink Diamond Hydrangea Tree, which is only recommended up to zone 8.
Do Hydrangea Trees Need Full Sun?
Hydrangea trees can sometimes grow in full sun, but some partial shade is preferred. Most hydrangeas enjoy the morning sun but may struggle with the constant afternoon sun in warmer climates. Try to find a place for your hydrangea near a taller tree that will soak up some of the sun throughout the day.
Hydrangea Tree Size
Hydrangea trees grow 6 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide. Since the width is at the top of the plant, you can plant them along paths or seating areas without worrying about hitting your head on the branches. If you grow your tree in a container, it may create a smaller plant, so this is something to consider when planning your space. Potted hydrangea can be moved into the ground at another time if desired.
Do Deer Eat Hydrangea Trees?
Hydrangea trees are not deer resistant. Planting hydrangeas around your property will not prevent deer from wandering into your yard. In fact, many deer will graze on the leaves and flowers of some hydrangeas, so if you’re into wildlife observation, hydrangea trees will not impede on your ability to do so.
How Much Water Does A Hydrangea Tree Need?
Hydrangea trees are thirsty, so expect to water them often, especially if you live in a hot climate and provide your plants with full sun. If your tree receives partial shade, you likely won’t need to water as often. It needs moist soil, so check it often to make sure the soil isn’t drying out.
Water the plant deeply at the base. New transplants typically need more water than older trees, so long and frequent waterings will be extra important the first year the plant is in your garden. A generous layer of mulch at the base of the plant will help the soil retain moisture and reduce how often you have to water.
What's the Best Fertilizer for Hydrangea Trees?
Hydrangea trees benefit from an annual dose of slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply the fertilizer as the package directs at the base of the plant. This kind of fertilizer will feed the plant all year long and encourage more flowering, stronger roots, and shiny foliage.
How to Prune Hydrangea Trees
Pruning your Hydrangea tree in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges is the safest time to avoid removing this year’s blooms. Hydrangea trees develop new flowers on new growth, so you need to remove old growth and avoid new limbs.
Pruning isn’t necessary but will help your plant look tidy and elegant. You can prune off all old growth if you wish or only remove the branches that affect the overall shape of your tree.
You can also prune your hydrangea tree in late fall when the plant still has leaves so you can decipher the old growth from the new.
Tree hydrangeas won’t develop their flower buds for the current year until they leaf out in the spring.
Don’t worry about pruning off your flower buds in early spring, as can happen with Bigleaf hydrangeas, which flowers on buds set last fall. As long as you prune before leaf emergence, you’ll be alright.
Hydrangea Trees In Winter
As panicle hydrangeas are pretty hardy, they should not require anything special to over-winter, as long as they are hardy in your USDA growing zone. Keep them mulched, but don’t allow the mulch to contact the trunk.
If growing in a container, buy a tree hydrangea that is hardy to at least one, if not two, zones colder than your zone. Or, bring the tree inside overwinter and shelter it in a garage or other area that is a bit warmer than the outside temperature.
Get hydrangea trees for sale from Perfect Plants to create a beautiful ambiance with small blooming flower trees.
FAQs
What is the most popular hydrangea tree? ›
Mophead Hydrangeas
This hydrangea type is perhaps the most popular—and its flowers typically bloom in blue, pink, or purple, explains Eddie Zaratsian, floral expert and owner of Eddie Zaratsian Lifestyle & Design.
So, when is the best time to plant hydrangeas? Aim for late spring, well after any danger of frost has passed, or early fall, when night temperatures usher in cooler air. If you garden in a region where the ground freezes, get plants into the ground at least six weeks prior to fall's first killing frost.
Where is the best place to plant a hydrangea tree? ›- The best location is one that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. ...
- Consider mature size, give it plenty of room to grow.
- Choose an area with excellent drainage. ...
- Don't plant beneath a tree—the root competition and lack of sunlight will prevent them from thriving.
The main difference between a hydrangea shrub and a tree is training, pruning and proper care. The ideal time to prune is early spring. Remove old twigs that didn't produce healthy growths and remove suckers from the trunk of the tree.
How long do hydrangea trees last? ›Hydrangeas are long-lived shrubs, sometimes living for up to 50 years if properly cared for. They enjoy morning sun but afternoon shade, and they need frequent watering during the growing season. Prune them in the fall after the blooms fade so they can grow on strong stems the following summer.
Which hydrangea blooms the longest? ›Penny Mac Hydrangea – Large flowers that just keep blooming! The Penny Mac hydrangea is super easy to care for and seems to thrive on neglect. While the blooms can change color, they're naturally a vivid blue. Blooms: Mid-summer-early fall.
How do you winterize a hydrangea tree? ›The simplest method is to mound shredded leaves or bark mulch around the base of the plant to about 12 inches or so. Put the mulch mound in place in late fall after the ground freezes, and uncover plants in spring when temperatures begin to stay above freezing.
What is the easiest hydrangea to grow? ›Oakleaf varieties are the easiest type of hydrangeas for beginners to grow. Why are oakleaf hydrangeas so easy? They aren't picky! Oakleaf hydrangeas can tolerate colder weather, handle more sun, withstand drought, are more disease/pest resistant and grow in sandy soil better than other hydrangeas.
Is October too late to plant hydrangeas? ›Hydrangeas can be planted at any time of year, but the best time to get them in the ground is spring or fall when the weather is mild.
How far away from the house should you plant hydrangeas? ›Most of the varieties in Endless Summer will reach 3-4′ wide at maturity. I would give them at last two feet away from the foundation. Or even a little more if you don't want them touching the house. Summer Crush is the most compact, so you can plant that one a little closer.
How often should you water a newly planted hydrangea tree? ›
Watering Newly Planted Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas in the ground should be watered at least 3 times a week when planted to help establish a strong root system. They have shallow roots so mulch is an absolute must!
What Kind of Soil to Use for Hydrangeas. To grow hydrangeas in planting beds, focus on improving the native soil. One simple way to do that is to combine equal parts existing soil and Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil.
How deep should I plant a hydrangea tree? ›Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and 2 to 3 times as wide. The base of the plant (where the stem meets the soil) should be level with the top of the planting hole. Set the plant in the hole and fill it half full with soil. Water generously.
Do hydrangeas do better in pots or in the ground? ›Hydrangeas grow well in gardens, but can also grow in pots. They need well draining soil that has a slightly acidic pH. If these are not the conditions in your garden, I urge you to try planting a hydrangea in a container. But container planting a hydrangea doesn't stop there.
Should I cover my hydrangea tree in the winter? ›Keep Them Cozy. Whether or not hydrangeas need protection depends on how cold the winter temperatures drop. If the air temperature doesn't go below 0 degrees (zone 7) there is no need for winter protection. In colder climates, wrap or completely cover marginally hardy hydrangeas.
Does Lowes sell hydrangea trees? ›Multicolor Limelight Hydrangea Tree Flowering Shrub in 5.5-Gallon (s) Pot in the Shrubs department at Lowes.com. Make Project Planning Easier. Download our mobile app.
Do hydrangea trees need a lot of water? ›Hydrangeas do require a lot of water to keep their position as the beauty queens of your garden. To help Hydrangeas thrive, give plants a deep soak 1-3 times a week rather than giving them little sips of water daily. Hydrangeas do not tolerate overwatering or drought well.
Should hydrangeas be cut back every year? ›Trim out dead and crossing stems and prune to shape the plant. It is not necessary to prune every year. These types can also be trained as a tree. Careful pruning is required to develop the trunk and main branches.
Should I deadhead my hydrangea tree? ›You should deadhead throughout the blooming season to keep your hydrangeas looking their beast and encourage new flower growth. However, stop deadheading hydrangea shrubs in mid to late fall, leaving any spent blooms in place.
What is the best selling hydrangea? ›THE WORLD'S BEST-SELLING GARDEN HYDRANGEA. Endless Summer® remains the best-selling collection of hydrangeas in the world for good reason. Fine-tuned genetics and reblooming flowers means strong sell-through throughout the year.
How many years does it take for hydrangeas to get big? ›
Though they are fast growing shrubs, it can take 2-4 years for hydrangeas to reach their full size. Some are faster to mature than others. Growing hydrangeas is simple, and they can thrive in just about any climate.
What is the hardiest hydrangea? ›Most hydrangeas prefer only morning sun. Yet one type of hydrangea can soak up the sun all day: the panicle hydrangea. While they can stand the sun, these do just fine in partial shade, too. Plus, panicle hydrangeas are the hardiest hydrangeas.
Should a hydrangea tree be cut back in the fall? ›Pruning in late fall or early spring before new growth begins will bring new blooms all summer. Big Leaf and Oakleaf hydrangeas should be pruned no later than early fall, otherwise you may cut off buds preventing any blooms come summer.
What happens if you don't prune hydrangea tree? ›What happens if you don't prune hydrangeas? If you don't prune hydrangeas then they can eventually resemble a tangled mass of woody stems, and the flowers will become smaller and less showy. If your hydrangeas are not blooming, lack of pruning is often a reason.
Should hydrangeas be cut back in the fall? ›Pruning hydrangeas that bloom on new wood
Hydrangeas that bloom on new wood can be safely pruned in late fall once the plants have gone dormant or in early spring. Next year's flower buds won't be formed until late spring the same year they bloom, so there is no risk of removing the buds if you prune in fall or spring.
Can hydrangeas grow in full sun? Hydrangeas like morning sun, but do not do well if they're in direct, hot afternoon sun. Partial shade in the later parts of the day is ideal for these beauties.
What time of year should I cut back my hydrangeas? ›Trimming should be done immediately after flowering stops in summer, but no later than August 1. Do not prune in fall, winter, or spring or you could be cutting off new buds. Tip-pruning the branches as leaves emerge in spring can encourage multiple, smaller flower heads rather than fewer larger flower heads.
Is it better to transplant hydrangeas in the spring or in the fall? ›The best time for hydrangea transplanting is just after the bushes have gone dormant in the autumn. This means the flowers have all died back and most, or all, of the leaves have dropped.
What hydrangeas are best for fall? ›Mophead hydrangeas look lovely in the fall when their blue, purple and pink flowers contrast with the fall foliage. Brown flowers can be snipped off if they annoy you, but you don't have to remove them. Look for flowers like this to dry or for making Hydrangea Wreaths.
What does baking soda do for hydrangeas? ›Baking soda is an organic fungicide with anti-fungal properties that can help prevent fungal disease from attacking your hydrangea plants, so it's a good idea to use it every time you water the plant or give them fertilizer.
Are hydrangeas poisonous to dogs? ›
Dogs or cats that consume enough hydrangea leaves, flowers and/or buds can suffer from vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, hydrangea poisoning can cause lethargy, depression and confusion.
What pairs well with hydrangeas? ›Shade tolerant perennials make excellent partners next to hydrangeas. Some of the best are hostas, ferns, foxglove & coral bells. Many upright hydrangeas create a shady area under their foliage. This is a great location for planting shade-loving hostas.
Do hydrangeas like coffee grounds? ›If you're growing hydrangeas, use coffee grounds to affect their color. Coffee grounds add extra acidity to the soil around hydrangeas. On a chemical level, this increased acidity makes it easier for the plant to absorb naturally occurring aluminum in the dirt. The effect is pretty blue clusters of flowers.
Is Epsom salt good for hydrangeas? ›The short answer is yes it will – Epsom Salts is Magnesium sulfate and Sulfur is the mineral that we apply to the soil to lower the pH. You will also be applying Magnesium which should help enhance the color of your foliage since Magnesium is needed for chlorophyll production.
What helps hydrangeas bloom more? ›- Plant panicle hydrangeas in all-day sun or afternoon sun.
- Water them during a drought, especially if you notice wilting.
- Add plenty of organic matter (such as compost) around the plant.
- Limit any drastic pruning to early spring, just before new growth emerges.
This timing will vary by region. For instance, in areas with winter freezing and snow, hydrangeas should be planted in early spring or early fall (as soon as summer heat breaks). In warmer regions with mild winters, the window for planting hydrangeas is longer, from fall all the way through to early spring.
When can I plant a hydrangea tree? ›So, when is the best time to plant hydrangeas? Aim for late spring, well after any danger of frost has passed, or early fall, when night temperatures usher in cooler air. If you garden in a region where the ground freezes, get plants into the ground at least six weeks prior to fall's first killing frost.
Do hydrangea trees need fertilizer? ›Once established, the hydrangea is one of the summer season's most impressive shrubs, but it needs fertilizer to reach its full potential. The best fertilizer for hydrangeas should contain a blend of nutrients to encourage healthy root and branch development while boosting the color, size, and quantity of flower heads.
How long do potted hydrangeas last? ›If properly maintained, these shrubs can grow between 4 and 12 feet tall, and live for decades, sharing their frothy blooms most of the summer. Hydrangeas are long-lived shrubs, sometimes living for up to 50 years if properly cared for.
Can I plant 2 hydrangeas together? ›Incrediball hydrangeas are recommended to be 3-5 feet apart, so you can plant them spaced 3 feet if you wish. The number of plants you'll need for your hedge depends on the plant spacing.
Where is the best place to plant hydrangeas? ›
- The best location is one that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. ...
- Consider mature size, give it plenty of room to grow.
- Choose an area with excellent drainage. ...
- Don't plant beneath a tree—the root competition and lack of sunlight will prevent them from thriving.
Hydrangea paniculata 'Unique'
'Unique' bears 8-inch-long white flower heads that fade to pinkish white. It is similar to, but more vigorous than, Hydrangea paniculata 'Grandiflora'. The cultivar name refers to the shape of the flower heads; they are broad at the base and rounded at the tip.
Tree hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata), also known as panicle hydrangeas, are fast-growing flowering shrubs with an upright growth habit. These plants provide late summer blossoms when few other bushes are in bloom.
Which oakleaf hydrangea is best? ›Small… Two of the best dwarf oakleaf hydrangea cultivars are 'Ruby Slippers and 'Munchkin' are plants that feature the desired qualities of their larger relatives, but in compact form. Munchkin's blooms open white, as all oakleaf varieties do, and gradually turn pink with age.
What is the king of flowering trees? ›Known as the King of Flowering Trees, Saraca is known for its beautiful foliage and sweet-smelling flowers. It can grow up to nine meters tall.
What is the best smelling hydrangea? ›Hydrangea macrophylla 'Ayesha': “one of the only Hydrangeas to have a delicate fragrance in bloom” [Great Plant Picks profile] Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris (a climbing hydrangea) Hydrangea paniculata: “slight floral scent” or “mild fruity fragrance”
When should you plant oakleaf hydrangeas? ›Oakleaf hydrangeas can be grown from cuttings from mature shrubs, but you can generally find the shrubs in three-gallon pots at your local garden center; these can easily be planted straight into your garden, explains Zawojski. He recommends planting during spring, early summer, or early to late fall.