2 weeks Ago By Parul Sharma
With summer fast approaching, blooming hydrangeas are sure to be a key feature of most British gardens , thanks to their low-maintenance nature and ease of care. While these gorgeous blossoms may benefit from low upkeep , you can’t just plant them anywhere. There’s a type of hydrangea for every gardener – whether you’re growing the classic bigleaf hydrangeas, have a soft corner for the mopheads, or want to revel in the picture-perfect glory of the panicle and oakleaf varieties.
What’s important to remember is that these flowers can’t just be placed anywhere. While planting them at the edge of a patio or woodland garden, along a fence, or even in the middle of a lawn are all good options – there are certain spots that are a complete no-no if you’re looking to make your hydrangeas bloom this summer. Before planting this beautiful flowering shrub, take a look at the list of spots where hydrangeas should not be planted.
This will guide gardeners to ensure their hydrangea thrives, allowing them to enjoy its exquisite blooms throughout the summer. Six spots where hydrangeas should not be planted: Well-draining soil that is able to retain moisture is a must for hydrangeas and their growth – however the blooms don’t do well in wet clay or a boggy spot that’s constantly waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. Ensure the soil has good drainage for the health of your hydrangeas.
While hydrangeas can survive in a shady spot, don’t expect them to thrive. In deep shade, their growth is slowed down and it’s possible to see very few or no blooms. These flowers do best in the morning sun.
If they’re planted in the shade, make sure to go for a high canopy which lets the sunlight filter through and offers only light shade. Smooth hydrangeas such as Annabelle, bigleaf (French) hydrangeas, and climbing hydrangeas thrive best in this type of environment. While these blooms may flourish in full sun in cooler climates, the hotter regions bring with them prolonged exposure to intense sunlight, which can be detrimental for a hydrangea’s growth.
The panicle hydrangea is an exception to this rule, as it’s more sun-tolerant and necessitates at least four to six hours of sunlight to bloom well. In hotter climates however, they still benefit from light shade in the afternoon. Although hydrangeas might be considered an attractive choice for foundation planting, it’s crucial to ensure enough space is left—usually 2.
5 to 3 feet, and for larger varieties like oakleaf and panicle hydrangeas, at least 4 feet—so that the shrub’s roots can spread out. The soil around your foundation may be sandy or rocky, so ensure plants are positioned far enough from the house to access better soil for healthy root growth. Additionally, avoid planting hydrangeas in areas affected by the "rain shadow" caused by gutters or other architectural features, as this can lead to plants that require constant watering.
As hydrangeas need a large amount of consistent moisture to thrive, they don't fare well when they have root competition. Planting hydrangeas under large, thirsty trees with extensive surface roots will be harmful to your shrub. While it's fine to plant them in areas that benefit from the afternoon shade another tree provides, it’s imperative to ensure your hydrangeas are placed far enough from the tree so they aren't competing for water.
A big clue pointing to how much water this plant requires is the fact that the word ‘hydrangea’ comes from the Greek word for water. To avoid the hassle of constantly lugging a watering can back and forth all summer long, plant hydrangeas near a reliable water source, such as a garden hose or drip irrigation, as regular watering is crucial for their survival. Previously, Gardening expert Julia Omelchenko of NatureID also advised gardeners to avoiding planting hydrangeas near “threatening” plants like lavender, plants that release juglone such as walnuts, sun-loving plants like roses, asters, and geraniums, as well as large trees such as the oak, maple, or birch.
Commenting on the hydrangea’s ‘threatening neighbours’, Julia said: “Hydrangeas are beautiful and popular garden plants that, when properly cared for, can be a sight to behold thanks to their large inflorescences. "However, sometimes they may be weak, fail to bloom, and experience wilting and leaf dieback even in proper growing conditions. The problem might lie in the neighbouring plants in your garden.
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