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.
This myth is one of the sillier ones, but it's based on genuine concern. The good news is that NO, you won't crack your foundation or otherwise damage it if you happen to overwater your hydrangeas. In fact, the flowers and shrubs you keep close to your home actually serve as a natural waterproofing barrier.
Where should you not plant hydrangeas? Hydrangeas should not be planted in USDA hardiness zones 1 and 2 as they won't be able to tolerate the colder climate. Hydrangeas also should not be planted under trees because there will be too much root competition and lack of sun for these plants to adequately thrive.
Many people plant hydrangeas in beds next to their homes or fences. This is because hydrangeas love the warm morning sun, but they dislike the heat of the afternoon. The best place to plant hydrangeas is in a sheltered location with sunny mornings and shady afternoons.
My hydrangea shrub is about 6 feet wide and 4 feet tall this year. Ideally hydrangea plants should be at least 3-4 feet from the wall of your house.
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.
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.
Hydrangeas prefer well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, add compost to your soil to improve its structure and nutrient content. Most hydrangeas thrive in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5–6.5.
For instance, in areas with winter freezing and snow, hydrangeas should be planted in early spring or early fall (as soon as summer heat breaks). In warmer regions with mild winters, the window for planting hydrangeas is longer, from fall all the way through to early spring.
Not all plants pair well with hydrangeas. Here are some combinations to avoid: Sunflower prefers full sun and hotter conditions than hydrangeas, which require some shade. Lavender is a sun-loving perennial that performs best in dry conditions and leaner soil, so will not thrive near hydrangeas.
Hydrangea is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth for only a few days. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and chest tightness. It's LIKELY UNSAFE to use more than 2 grams of dried hydrangea rhizome/root at a time. It is also LIKELY UNSAFE to use hydrangea for long period of time.
The best place to plant your hydrangea is where it will be sheltered from the hot afternoon sun but still get plenty of sunlight in the morning. Try to plant your hydrangea on the north or south side of your home.
All parts of a hydrangea plant are toxic to dogs. Do not leave your dog alone in an area where hydrangeas are located. If your pup is showing signs of mild or severe toxicity, take them to an emergency vet clinic immediately.
Planting up close to the house walls can encourage roots to get into your water pipes, foster plant diseases by reducing air circulation, or give rodents and termites a nesting place or ladder to your eaves.
Did you know you you can grow multiple smooth hydrangeas together right next to each other in the same hole. It's a trick nurseries do all the time to create those massive hydrangea pots. I don't recommend more than three, and I don't recommend doing this with other hydrangea varieties.
Hydrangeas should be planted in moist, rich soil. In soil that drains quickly, such as sandy soil, wilting occurs much faster than in soil rich in organic matter with better water-holding ability. Shallow watering can also cause wilt.
Where to plant hydrangeas. Hydrangeas do best in moist, free-draining soil and dappled shade – not too sunny and not too shady. Avoid south-facing positions, especially if the soil is very dry.
After you plant the hydrangea into the amended soil, be sure to add a thick layer of mulch. This will prevent weeds and maintain soil moisture. Then, give the plant a deep watering right after planting. Then again once or twice a week to keep the soil moist but not soggy (see watering tips below).
Which plants like coffee grounds? Especially plants that like acidic soil are very happy with coffee grounds. For example, your beautiful hydrangeas, your radiant roses, the lawn or the lavender bushes, but also the gardenia, chamomile and rhododendrons.
Water soluble fertilizers can be also used on your hydrangeas, especially on new plantings or those recovering from stress. MiracleGro®, the most widely used liquid product on the market, has an N-P-K ratio of 15-30-15.
If you like the look of dried flower heads in your garden in the wintertime, leave them on and prune them in spring. If you live someplace where there is a heavy snow load or if you prefer a tidier look in winter, prune them in late fall to early winter.
TOO MUCH SUN
The ever-popular bigleaf hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) need protection from hot afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates. If your hydrangea leaves are scorched, or develop yellow or brown edges, these can be signs that your plants need more shade.
The best place to plant the majority of Hydrangeas is going to be in a spot that has good drainage, morning sun, and afternoon shade. Hydrangeas can play many roles in your landscape. Most hydrangeas bloom in spring and summer depending on your growing zone. Some can reach heights of 15 feet or higher.