Put your container in a sheltered, full to part sun location (morning sun is best). Water a few times a week, or daily if needed. Fertilize once a year, in early spring. Cut hydrangeas that bloom on new wood down to one to two feet tall in the late fall.
Hydrangeas grown in the ground or in containers require 3 basic things; well-drained soil, the proper amount of sunlight and lots of moisture. Growing hydrangeas in pots is a great option for people who are limited in space, or would like to create a beautiful new look in their garden.
East Side. The east side of the house is the best planting location, as it gets the morning and afternoon sun. This is the best side of the house for your hydrangeas, traditionally.
The size of your container matters, since the plant's roots will need room to grow into during their stay. We've found that pots measuring at least 16-24” wide and deep will often accommodate a good-sized hydrangea nicely for a few years.
Watering Hydrangeas in Pots
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.
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.
"And it is great for growing indoors because it is suited for containers, it's covered in blooms, and easy to grow." Hydrangea macrophylla features large bloom clusters nestled among textured, rich green leaves. They are especially popular indoors because the plant blooms for months and makes a great table centerpiece.
Hydrangeas grow well in gardens, but can also grow in pots. They need well draining soil that has a slightly acidic pH. If these are not the conditions in your garden, I urge you to try planting a hydrangea in a container.
While hydrangeas can grow successfully in a large container for several years, it's not permanent. If your plant becomes challenging to keep adequately watered, appears stunted, has small leaves, or the flowers are small or diminished, it's time to move on.
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.
Overwatering a Hydrangea can also stunt its growth, slow down its production of blooms, and eventually lead to its death.
Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Blooms Nutrition
This is an all-purpose blossom booster that's suitable for use on a wide variety of perennial and annual blooming plants, including hydrangeas. It provides various minerals, including copper, calcium, and iron, to supplement common nutrient deficiencies.
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.
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
Coming from one of the biggest and most famous plant care companies, this potting mix will help your plant thrive. It is suitable for most types of plants but is best for vibrant hydrangea species since it will enhance the beauty of the flowers.
Hydrangeas are hardy, but if left in a pot over winter, it will be much colder than if left in the ground. The roots are much more vulnerable to freeze-thaw cycles if the hydrangea is planted in a pot. Pots can be brought inside during the winter, and then brought back outside in the spring and summer.
Effectively, a hydrangea should be able to sustain a temperature of minus-10 degrees. But in the real world, temperatures as low as 12 degrees — and late fall or early spring freezes — may reduce the flowering capability of this hydrangea.
Subsequent hydrangea container care is relatively easy too. As hydrangeas grow, they can get very large. You can choose a dwarf variety from the beginning or you can prune your full sized hydrangea back. Just check the variety you have before you prune.
Hydrangea Care Tips
Water at a rate of 1 inch per week throughout the growing season. Deeply water 3 times a week to encourage root growth. Bigleaf and smooth hydrangeas require more water, but all varieties benefit from consistent moisture.
In warmer areas, many hydrangea types will suffer in the afternoon's scorching sun. The leaves and flower heads may burn, turning brown. If you notice this, that means your hydrangea is getting too much sun. Try moving it into filtered shade, or an area where it gets only a few hours of morning sun.
The reason for a dying hydrangea plant is often due to drought, frost damage, too much sun or transplant shock. To avoid drooping and dying hydrangeas, ensure the soil is consistently moist and provide protection from midday sun.