Best Hydrangeas For Shade

Title: Best Hydrangeas for Shade

Introduction:

Hydrangeas are beautiful flowering shrubs that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. However, not all hydrangeas are created equal. Some varieties prefer full sun, while others thrive in shady conditions. If you have a shady spot in your yard, you're in luck! There are many great hydrangeas that will do well in these conditions.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best hydrangeas for shade. We will provide information on each variety, including its size, flower color, and hardiness zone. We will also discuss some tips for planting and caring for hydrangeas in shade.

Main Content:

Here are some of the best hydrangeas for shade:

• Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia): This large shrub can grow up to 8 feet tall and wide. It has dark green, oak-shaped leaves and large, white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer. Oakleaf hydrangeas are hardy in zones 4-9.
• Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens): This smaller shrub grows 3-6 feet tall and wide. It has glossy green leaves and white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer. Smooth hydrangeas are hardy in zones 3-9.
• Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata): This upright shrub can grow up to 15 feet tall. It has large, pyramidal flowers that bloom in the summer. Panicle hydrangeas are hardy in zones 3-8.
• Mophead hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla): This large shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide. It has large, round flowers that bloom in the summer. Mophead hydrangeas are hardy in zones 5-9.
• Lacecap hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla normalis): This shrub is similar to the mophead hydrangea, but it has a different flower form. Lacecap hydrangeas have a ring of small, fertile flowers surrounded by a larger ring of sterile flowers. Lacecap hydrangeas are hardy in zones 5-9.

These are just a few of the many great hydrangeas that can thrive in shade. When choosing a hydrangea for your garden, consider the size of the shrub, the color of the flowers, and the hardiness zone. You should also make sure that the location you have chosen for the hydrangea receives at least some sunlight, even if it is mostly shaded.

Tips for Planting and Caring for Hydrangeas in Shade:

• Choose a location that receives at least some sunlight, even if it is mostly shaded.
• Plant the hydrangea in well-drained soil.
• Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
• Water the hydrangea regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
• Fertilize the hydrangea in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage new growth.
• Protect the hydrangea from winter winds and cold.

With proper care, your hydrangeas will thrive in the shade and provide you with years of beautiful blooms.

Conclusion:

Hydrangeas are a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden. If you have a shady spot, there are many great hydrangeas that will do well in these conditions. With proper care, your hydrangeas will provide you with years of beautiful blooms.

If you're looking for a hydrangea that can thrive in the shade, there are a few great options to choose from. Some of the best hydrangeas for shade include:

• Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
• Annabelle hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle')
• Invincibelle hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Invincibelle Spirit')
• Incrediball hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Incrediball')
• Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)

To learn more about these hydrangeas and other shade-tolerant varieties, visit Home Gardening.

FAQ of best hydrangea for shade

• What is the best hydrangea for shade?

  There are many great hydrangeas that can thrive in shade, but some of the most popular include:

  • Oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia): These hydrangeas have large, oak-shaped leaves and produce large, showy flower clusters in shades of white, pink, or blue. They are tolerant of full shade and can grow in moist, well-drained soil.
  • Smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens): These hydrangeas have smaller leaves and flower clusters than oakleaf hydrangeas, but they are just as beautiful. They are also tolerant of full shade and can grow in a variety of soil types.
  • Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata): These hydrangeas produce large, cone-shaped flower clusters that can reach up to 12 inches in length. They are not as tolerant of full shade as oakleaf or smooth hydrangeas, but they can still thrive in partial shade.
  • Mophead hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla): These hydrangeas are known for their large, round flower heads that can be up to 12 inches in diameter. They are not as tolerant of full shade as other hydrangeas, but they can still do well in partial shade.

• How much sun do hydrangeas need?

  The amount of sun hydrangeas need depends on the variety. Oakleaf hydrangeas, smooth hydrangeas, and panicle hydrangeas can all tolerate full shade, while mophead hydrangeas prefer partial shade. However, even hydrangeas that can tolerate shade will still need some sunlight in order to flower. The ideal amount of sun for hydrangeas is 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

• What type of soil do hydrangeas need?

  Hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They are not tolerant of poorly drained soil or soil that is high in clay. If your soil is not ideal for hydrangeas, you can improve it by adding compost or other organic matter.

• How to water hydrangeas?

  Hydrangeas need regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. Water them deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry. Mulching around the plants will help to retain moisture in the soil.

• How to fertilize hydrangeas?

  Hydrangeas should be fertilized in the spring, just before they start to bloom. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, and apply it according to the package directions. You can also fertilize hydrangeas with compost or manure in the fall.

• How to prune hydrangeas?

  Hydrangeas should be pruned in the spring, after they have finished blooming. Prune away any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. You can also prune to shape the plant or to remove any branches that are growing in the wrong direction.

Image of best hydrangea for shade

1. Limelight Hydrangea is a panicle hydrangea that is known for its large, lime green flowers. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate shade and partial sun.
2. Little Lime Hydrangea is a dwarf variety of the Limelight Hydrangea. It has the same lime green flowers but is only about 3 feet tall.
3. Incrediball Hydrangea is another panicle hydrangea that is known for its large, white flowers. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate full sun to partial shade.
4. Fire Light Hydrangea is a panicle hydrangea that has bright pink flowers in the summer that fade to a peach color in the fall. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate full sun to partial shade.
5. Bobo Hydrangea is a compact, mound-forming hydrangea that has white flowers. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate full sun to partial shade.
6. Pinky Winky Hydrangea is a panicle hydrangea that has bright pink flowers in the summer that fade to a soft pink color in the fall. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate full sun to partial shade.
7. Invincibelle Spirit II Hydrangea is a panicle hydrangea that has large, white flowers that can be blue or pink depending on the acidity of the soil. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate full sun to partial shade.
8. Little Quick Fire Hydrangea is a dwarf variety of the panicle hydrangea Fire Light. It has bright pink flowers in the summer that fade to a peach color in the fall. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate full sun to partial shade.
9. Annabelle Hydrangea is a mophead hydrangea that is known for its large, white flowers. It is a hardy plant that prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
10. Limelight Oakleaf Hydrangea is a cross between a panicle hydrangea and an oakleaf hydrangea. It has large, lime green flowers and dark green foliage. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate full sun to partial shade.