Many types of hydrangeas are easily able to take full hot sun, so the best one for you depends on your specific needs. The most popular hydrangeas for full sun are the paniculata hydrangeas, otherwise known as ‘Pee Gee’ hydrangeas.
These hardy shrubs are tolerant of sun, drought, and cold and come in a wide variety of leaf and flower colors. Other popular hydrangeas for hot and sunny locations include ‘Endless Summer’ hydrangeas and ‘Annabelle’ hydrangeas.
Hardy Oakleaf and Mountain hydrangeas are also tolerant of sun and heat, and can take harsher environments than most other varieties. These hydrangeas are great with hot and dry climates, or partial shade.
Additionally, there are some popular varieties of hydrangeas that can be grown in containers in full sun, like the Limelight hydrangea and the Tuff Stuff hydrangea. Before planting a hydrangea in full sun, it’s important to be aware of how much water the hydrangea needs and make sure there is adequate drainage.
Can hydrangeas grow in high heat?
Yes, hydrangeas can grow in high heat, although extreme temperatures can be stressful for them. If your hydrangea is planted in an area that experiences prolonged periods of excessive heat, you’ll want to take some preventative steps to help keep your plant comfortable and thriving.
Ensure that the soil is well drained and never dry for more than a day (mulching will help retain soil moisture and provide the plant with some protection from the heat). Provide plenty of water, especially during hot, dry spells.
Regularly remove wilted or dead foliage to help regulate the plant temperature. Pruning is also an option allowing air to flow freely through your hydrangea’s foliage and helping to reduce moisture buildup.
Allowing plenty of space between planting and avoiding direct sunlight on very hot days will also help your hydrangeas to thrive and enjoy the summer sun. With some extra TLC during periods of extreme heat, you can have happy hydrangeas!.
How hot can hydrangea tolerate?
Hydrangeas are hardy plants that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, though they generally prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). They can, however, tolerate temperatures as cold as -30°F (-34°C) and as warm as 100°F (38°C).
It is important to remember that while hydrangeas can tolerate temperatures outside of these ranges, they are not ideal and extreme temperatures can cause stress and damage to the plant. You should always keep an eye on the temperature and provide your hydrangea with a bit of shade or extra mulch during those hotter days to help them stay cool.
How do I protect my hydrangeas from too much sun?
One way to protect your hydrangeas from too much sun is to choose a location for your plants that provides morning sun and afternoon shade. This will enable your hydrangeas to get the benefits of the morning sun without being in the blistering heat of the full afternoon sun.
You can keep them shaded with trees or use garden structures, like an arbour or a gazebo, to create partial shade for them. Additionally, you could place burlap, sun cloth, or shade cloth over your hydrangeas to provide them with some additional protection.
Make sure that the fabric you use is breathable and that it is not placed directly on the plant as it can cause humidity-related diseases like powdery mildew. Finally, mulching around the hydrangeas can also help protect them from the hot sun, lock in moisture, and keep their roots cool.
What does a sunburned hydrangea look like?
A sunburned hydrangea can look a few ways. The foliage will typically become yellow or brown in color, while the flowers can either fade or turn brown. Sunburn can also cause leaves or petals to curl or wilt, shrivel up, and even drop off the plant.
Furthermore, the leaves may become scorched or display spots of discoloration. In extreme cases, the entire hydrangea bush may become desiccated and die.
Can a plant recover from too much sun?
Yes, a plant can recover from too much sun. Plants are resilient and can often recover from overexposure to the sun. Depending on the severity of the damage, it may take a few days or a few weeks for the plant to adjust to the new conditions.
In mild cases, you may see the leaves start wilting or discoloring or perhaps leaves turning yellow or brown due to the heat stress. In more severe cases, the leaves may become scorched and tend to drop off.
If the sun exposure was mild, start by moving the plant to a shady spot or providing consistent access to shade during the hottest times of the day. Make sure to provide plenty of water to your plants, as dehydration can make the damage worse.
It is also a good idea to apply a fertilizer product to help give your plant extra nutrients to help it adjust and recover from the sun damage. Finally, packing soil around the base of the plant or using stakes or support poles can help the plant become better rooted and more stable when exposed to the sun.
How do you revive a sunburned hydrangea?
Reviving a sunburned hydrangea requires an intervention that is both corrective and preventative. To address the current sunburn and help the plant heal, you should move the hydrangea to a shadier area and reduce the amount of sunlight it receives.
This can be done by planting a taller plant or tree nearby to provide shade, or by positioning the hydrangea near a fence, wall, or trellis that will cast some shade. In the event that it’s not possible to move the hydrangea, you should partially cover the plant with some shade cloth or a porous material that will still allow the hydrangea to receive some light.
You should also give the sunburned hydrangea extra water and nutrients in order to encourage regrowth and revival. Make sure to water the plant deeply, place mulch around the base to help lock in moisture and reduce water loss due to evaporation, and check the natural soil pH to determine if a fertilizer is necessary.
Sunburned hydrangeas can be particularly sensitive to fertilizers, so opt for a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen but contains some phosphorous and potassium to encourage blooming. Finally, make sure to regularly inspect the plant for signs of pests and bugs, and address any infestations as soon as possible.
Should I cut off burnt hydrangea leaves?
Yes, it is best to remove burnt leaves from your hydrangeas. You should carefully snip them off with clippers or a scissors to ensure that no further damage is done to your plant. Fallen leaves should also be swept away to prevent the mulch or soil from becoming too densely compacted, which can cause crown rot.
Pruning is also recommended for hydrangeas, as it allows for more air flow and more even light exposure. Prune back the excess limbs during the dormant season, in late winter or early spring. Be sure to remove any dead, dry, or damaged stems to promote the growth of healthy blooms.
Why do the leaves on my hydrangea look burnt?
It’s likely that your hydrangea leaves are suffering from some type of environmental stress. This could be caused by a variety of issues including excessive heat, direct sun, poor soil drainage, too little water, or too much fertilizer.
To help alleviate this stress, try to determine what the root cause might be and make whatever adjustments are necessary.
If the leaves are only slightly burnt, the hydrangea might recover on its own given some time and improved environmental conditions. If the issue is more serious and the leaves are severely burnt, you will have to prune the affected parts of the plant back as much as necessary.
Afterwards, you should give your hydrangea regular watering and fertilization to encourage new foliage growth and help it recover from the stressful experience.
How often should you water hydrangeas?
The frequency at which you should water your hydrangeas will depend on the climate, soil type, and other conditions in your area. Generally speaking, they require at least one inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering.
During the summer months when temperatures are hotter and the sun’s rays are more intense, you may need to water more frequently than in cooler periods. If you live in an area that experiences sustained periods of drought, your hydrangeas will likely need supplemental watering, as well as mulching, to keep the soil moist.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to dig a few inches into the soil—if the top few inches are dry, they need to be watered. If you over water your hydrangeas, you run the risk of root rot, so it’s important to make sure they are not sitting in soggy soil.
Can you use Miracle Grow on hydrangeas?
Yes, you can use Miracle Grow on hydrangeas, although you should always follow instructions for proper application. Miracle Grow is a general-purpose fertilizer, so it should be suitable for most flowering shrubs such as hydrangeas.
However, be sure to always check the fertilizer label for specific application instructions regarding the amount and frequency of fertilizer application. Additionally, plants require different amounts of nutrients throughout the growing season, and it is important to adjust the amounts applied to meet their changing needs.
For optimal results, always apply Miracle Grow at the temperatures and depths listed on the fertilizer label and water the soil or mulch around the plants immediately after application to help the nutrients soak into the soil.
Taking care not to over-fertilize hydrangeas is important, as too much fertilizer can damage the plant. Additionally, Miracle Grow may not be suitable for certain types of hydrangeas, so check with a local gardening expert before applying it.
How do you tell if hydrangea is over or Underwatered?
The most obvious one is to inspect the appearance of the plant. If it looks wilted or droopy, or if the leaves are turning yellow, then it is likely the result of either too much or too little water.
If there is water sitting on the surface of the soil, the plant may have received too much water. Conversely, if the soil looks dry and cracked, the plant may not have received enough water.
Another way to tell is to check the root system of the hydrangea. Roots that are brown or mushy indicate overwatering, while roots that are dried out, white and limp indicate underwatering. To check, carefully dig around the plant and inspect the roots.
Finally, it is possible to tell if hydrangea is over or underwatered by the weight of the pot. If the pot feels light, it likely means the soil is dry, and it is receiving too little water. If the pot feels very heavy and waterlogged, it is likely due to overwatering.
How long does it take for Endless Summer hydrangeas to mature?
Endless Summer hydrangeas typically take about 2-3 years to mature. During the first two years, these hydrangeas need to establish a root system and will not bloom until their third growing season. After the third season, you can expect these hydrangeas to be fully mature and to bloom from May through September.
You will need to prune them back every spring to encourage new blooms. With soil preparation, watering and proper pruning, you can expect Endless Summer hydrangeas to last for many years, providing beautiful, vibrant flowers throughout the growing season.
Do Endless Summer hydrangeas need a lot of water?
Yes, Endless Summer hydrangeas need a lot of water to thrive. These plants require consistently moist soil in order to grow and flower properly. Typically, you should water newly planted hydrangeas once week, and established plants once every 10 to 14 days.
Depending on your region and weather conditions, however, you may need to increase or decrease the frequency of your watering. It’s important to monitor the soil moisture levels and note any changes in plant growth or leaf color to ensure that your Endless Summer hydrangea is getting the optimal amount of water for successful growth.
Additionally, when possible, water your hydrangea at its base and avoid getting the foliage wet. Doing so will help keep the leaves disease-free and encourage the best possible growth.
How do you take care of an endless summer hydrangea?
Taking care of an Endless Summer hydrangea is relatively simple. Here are the steps you should follow:
1. Water and fertilize: Ensure the soil stays evenly moist and feed the shrub every four to six weeks during its growing season with an all-purpose, slow release fertilizer.
2. Prune: Pruning shears can be used to prune the shrub, removing dead or broken stems, and any shoots that are growing close to the base of the plant. Pruning off some of the fading blooms will also encourage more blossom production and keep your hydrangea looking neat and tidy.
3. Sunshine and shade: Ensure your hydrangea gets enough sun to produce blooms and plenty of shade for periods of time. Plant in a location that receives about four to five hours of sun each day, with the rest of the day in the shade.
4. Mulch: Mulch the plant with organic material so it retains moisture and keeps the roots cool.
5. Monitor pests: Monitor your plants regularly to check for pests like aphids, scale bugs, or spider mites. Take action as soon as you notice any significant infestation and use an insecticide for the pests you are targeting—dialing up or down the intensity based on the number of pests present.
Also, pay attention to any changes in the environment, such as temperatures, and take steps to address the problem right away, if necessary.
By following these five steps, you can keep your Endless Summer hydrangea healthy and looking beautiful.