This is historically the worst side for planting. This is because the west side will get the most afternoon sun. The afternoon sun can really fry your hydrangeas, leaving them with little time to recover before nightfall.
Better: a west facing house wall. The shrubs will not get any direct sunlight until the afternoon, but that is more than enough for Hydrangea macrophylla to form luxuriant flowers. However, a spot under larger shrubs that have an umbrella-like crown and tolerant roots is even better.
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.
East facing location is BEST for growing hydrangeas.
The intensity of the morning sun is typically milder compared to the harsher afternoon sun. This allows hydrangeas to receive sufficient light without being subjected to excessive heat and potential sunburn.
Most common hydrangeas prefer a partial sun location - ideally receiving sun in the morning hours and shade in the afternoon.
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.
Hydrangeas can grow in full sun as long as their in soil that holds onto moisture and they receive regular mulching to help retain water. Varieties from the species Hydrangea paniculata have been cultivated to grow very well in full sun and produce and beautiful display of flowers.
Many people think that you need a shady garden in order to grow hydrangeas. While that is true for some varieties, some hydrangeas thrive in sunny spots and even need full sun to develop into the fullest plants and the brightest blooms.
Hydrangeas grow best in full sun (more than 6 hours sun) to part sun (4-6 hours sun). With that being said, all hydrangeas can handle some shade, but the timing and type of shade are important to consider. They can be in full shade during the hottest part of the day, as long as they are getting some morning sun.
If you're planting Hydrangeas near your house, make sure to give them enough space to allow for air circulation. They won't do well if they're pressed right up against the boards. And tall varieties like PeeGees are probably not ideal for foundation plantings.
Front Yard Garden Idea With Hydrangeas, Loropetalum and Nandina. This garden design including Nandina, Loropetalum, and Hydrangea will turn any front yard into a modern garden. These flowers will be a great addition to any home and will be an attention-grabbing decoration.
“In the South, they can get away with just three hours of sun.” Hydrangeas in Southern gardens should be planted in locations with morning sun and afternoon shade; in the North they can do well in full sun as long as they get plenty of water and aren't subjected to dry winter winds.
Just like Hydrangeas getting too much sun, a Hydrangea getting too much sun may develop wilting and yellowing leaves, even some brown spots.
Provide Some Shade
Most varieties of hydrangea prefer shade during the heat of the day. Most varieties of hydrangea prefer afternoon shade. If you think your hydrangea can benefit from a break from the sun you can purchase shade cloth online or from your local garden center.
Endless Summer Hydrangeas live up to their name, blooming massive pink or blue mophead flowers on both old and new wood all summer long. Endless Summer Hydrangeas are unique, taking the traditional hydrangea to the next level.
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.
Panicle hydrangeas can handle hot sun
While they are drought tolerant and stand up to heat, I still like to provide shade during the hottest part of the day. And just because they are drought tolerant doesn't mean you should let them wilt. As with all hydrangeas, plants will thrive with regular irrigation.
The hydrangea should be watered thoroughly at least 3 times a week. Always water the plant all the way around the container, not just in one place. Water should come out the bottom of the pot. Never let it sit in water which will cause the roots to rot away.
Some gardeners report success in turning their hydrangeas blue by applying coffee grounds to the soil. The coffee grounds make the soil more acidic, allowing the hydrangea to more easily absorb aluminum. In addition, fruit peels, lawn clippings, peat moss and pine needles, are thought to have a similar effect.
Hydrangeas need more water than most garden plants and will begin to wilt quickly without it. To ensure that Hydrangeas thrive, water deeply two to three times a week in the summer. Be sure to water in the morning or evening so that water does not evaporate as quickly as it would during the heat of the day.