One of the easiest types of hydrangeas you can grow along your home's foundation is a panicle hydrangea. Because their size ranges greatly, you'll want to be sure to read the label carefully when choosing which is the best fit.
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.
Ficus trees, for example, have very aggressive root systems and even a small ficus tree planted close to a structure could cause foundation damage. Oaks and maples have massive root systems, but actually may cause less damage because their roots generally go around obstructions rather than through them.
The smooth hydrangeas (H. arborescens), such as 'Annabelle', are another group of low growing shrubs for the front of the house worth growing. Their blooms are globe shaped rather than being panicle shaped. Summersweet Clethra is a must-have if you love summer blooms.
The slender and fibrous roots of Hydrangeas aren't strong enough to dig into pipes or foundations, and they're not thick enough to crack them from seasonal swelling. The only risk is if you have a pipe that's already leaking, in which case your Hydrangea's roots might infiltrate and clog it.
Laying gravel around the house as a foundation landscaping material helps ensure your foundation stays protected from outside elements. Along with its protective nature, gravel landscaping ideas and gravel provides a natural look that can be spruced up to fit your overall landscaping style and rock landscaping ideas.
Ash, Poplar, and Locusts trees also caused more damage to homes in relation to their population. Trees that grow fast above ground grow equally as fast below ground, so you should not plant these trees near sidewalks, pipes, or homes.
A potted hydrangea can be planted in the ground at any time of the year. However, spring or fall are the best times. Wait until the frosts are over in spring, or plant in early fall when the soil will still be warm and before the frosts.
The most important factors when choosing where to plant hydrangeas are light and moisture. In the South, plant them where they will receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade. With these conditions, you can grow the extremely popular French (also called bigleaf) hydrangea or panicle hydrangea.
For example, hostas, hybrid tea roses, most garden hydrangeas, boxwoods, tulips, daffodils, garden salvias, dwarf shrub junipers, and peonies are all non-native to the region but are not known to be invasive.
With proper timing and basic propagation techniques, you can grow new hydrangeas from simple stem cuttings. Just follow these steps to multiply your hydrangeas and their breathtaking blooms: Time hydrangea cuttings for optimal results. Gather your tools before you start.
The key to any hydrangea planting is to choose the right location. This can make all the difference in your blooms. This location gets full morning sun and then dappled sunlight later on in the day. The amount of sunlight also depends on how far south or north you are, too.
The best place to plant hydrangeas is in a sheltered location with sunny mornings and shady afternoons. You often find this on the north or south side of your home. Avoid planting directly underneath trees, which can lead to competition for water and nutrients.
Gravel (and other rocks) act as barriers that shun rain and other forms of precipitation away from a building's foundation. Another benefit of using rock for drainage is that exposed rock absorbs the heat from sunlight more than other materials like mulch. Rock then radiates this heat at night.
Unlike mulch, rock doesn't decay and will last for years. Fewer pests: Because mulch is made of wood, it tends to attract pets, some of which can wreak havoc on your house; termites, for example. Conversely, with rocks, there's no need to worry about pests, because it doesn't attract bugs or insects.
To fix or improve the grading, you can add soil next to the foundation and slope away from the house, however, you should have at least four inches of your foundation (concrete, block, or stone) showing above the soil. The soil and vegetation should not be in contact with the siding or any wood.
You don't need a large yard to enjoy growing hydrangeas. These lovely shrubs can grow in containers in many places, from porches and decks to driveways and sidewalks—even on a balcony. The key is to select a small, compact hydrangea variety and put it in a location where it gets at least four hours of sun each day.
Panicle hydrangea are considered the most cold hardy of the species. They are reliable shrubs or small trees that require minimal fuss for success. Their stout, reddish brown branches are upright to arching, sometimes becoming bowed under the weight of the large flowers.
I discovered a better hydrangea variety than the Annabelle. The Incrediball has the same familiar big white blooms but unlike the Annabelle, its stems are much stronger and they don't flop down.