Can You Plant Hydrangeas Outside? A Complete Guide

Hydrangeas are beloved flowers that brighten up gardens with their large, colorful blooms. Their soft colors and full flower heads have made them a quintessential flower for many yards and gardens. Hydrangeas are available in so many gorgeous varieties from mopheads to lacecaps in white, pink, blue and purple shades.

But many hydrangea plants are sold in pots, often as gifts or holiday plants. So a common question gardeners have is – can you plant a potted hydrangea outside in your garden?

The short answer is yes you absolutely can plant a potted hydrangea outdoors with proper care and timing. However there are some important factors to consider when moving a hydrangea from a pot to the ground. In this complete guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully planting gift hydrangeas outside.

Hardening Off Potted Hydrangeas Before Planting

Potted hydrangeas you find at stores are usually grown in greenhouses so they bloom early in time for the holiday season This means they aren’t acclimated to outdoor conditions. Before planting a gift hydrangea outside, you need to “harden it off”

Hardening off is the process of gradually introducing a plant to outdoor conditions. This slowly toughens up the plant and gets it ready for life outside of the protected greenhouse environment.

To properly harden off a gift hydrangea:

• Keep it in a cool spot indoors away from direct sun for 1-2 weeks. A porch or garage are ideal if temps are above 50 degrees F.

• Once nighttime temperatures are reliably above 50 degrees F and frost risk has passed, move the hydrangea outdoors to a shady spot during the day. Bring it back indoors at night.

• After 7-10 days, you can leave the plant outdoors overnight if low temps remain above 50 degrees F.

• After 2-3 weeks of hardening off, the plant will be ready for planting!

Hardening off is a critical acclimation step to ensure hydrangea health and success when transplanted outdoors. Skipping this gradual transition often leads to plant shock or death.

Choosing the Right Location

When selecting where to plant your hydrangea, there are two key factors to consider – sunlight and soil pH.

Sunlight Needs

Most hydrangeas do best with morning sun and afternoon shade. Aim for 3-6 hours of direct sunlight if possible. More sun than this can burn leaves and flowers.

East facing spots that get morning sun or dappled sunlight throughout the day are ideal. North facing locations also work well. Just avoid hot, direct afternoon sun from the south or west.

Soil pH Preferences

Soil pH affects hydrangea flower color. Acidic soils below pH 5.5 will produce blue blooms. Alkaline soils above pH 5.5 result in pink flowers.

If you want blue flowers, plant in a spot with naturally acidic soil. You can also lower soil pH by adding aluminum sulfate or elemental sulfur.

For pink blooms, choose a spot with alkaline soil above pH 5.5. Add lime if needed to raise pH.

Testing your soil’s pH with a kit beforehand allows you to choose the best planting site for your desired flower color.

Planting Tips

When planting your hydrangea into the ground, follow these tips:

• Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the pot size. Depth should match the pot.

• Gently loosen tangled roots before placing in hole. Remove any circling roots.

• Backfill with native soil, tamping down lightly around the stem. Leave a slight depression.

• Water thoroughly after planting. Top dress with 2-3 inches of organic mulch.

• Stake for support if needed. Some varieties can get quite large.

First Year Care

With proper first year care, your transplanted hydrangea will establish and thrive. Here are tips for caring for it that first year:

• Water 1-2 times per week for the first 3 months, then weekly thereafter. Deep watering is best.

• Apply a balanced fertilizer once in early summer and again in early fall.

• Only prune dead or damaged stems in first year. No major pruning yet.

• Monitor for pests like aphids. Treat promptly to prevent spread.

• Protect with burlap or frost cloth if freezing temperatures occur.

• Remove any buds that form in first year. Energy should go to root growth.

• Mulch each fall with 2-3 inches of bark, leaves, or other organic matter.

With diligent first year care, your hydrangea will develop a strong root system and be ready for many years of vigorous growth and gorgeous blooms!

Will It Bloom the First Year Outside?

Sadly, most potted hydrangeas will not bloom again in the first season after planting outside. There are a few reasons why:

• Digging up the plant often destroys the flower buds for next year’s blooms.

• The shock of transplanting forces the plant to focus energy on root growth rather than flowering.

• Greenhouse plants are forced to bloom early. Natural bloom time is mid-summer.

So while you likely won’t get flowers the first year, don’t be discouraged! If the plant survives the winter, it should settle in and bloom beautifully the following year. Ensuring excellent care that first year gives it the best chance to thrive.

Winterizing Tips

The first winter is critical for a newly planted hydrangea. Here are tips to help it survive:

• Stop fertilizing by September so growth can harden off before winter.

• Only prune dead or damaged branches. Never cut healthy stems now.

• Mulch heavily after ground freezes to insulate the roots. Oak leaves or straw work well.

• Mound soil or wrap the base if temperatures drop below 5°F to protect the crown.

• Cover with burlap, frost cloth or straw if extreme cold occurs.

• Water once a month during winter if soil is very dry. Don’t let it dry out completely.

Protecting the roots, crown, and any buds from extreme cold will ensure your hydrangea survives until spring. Then you can look forward to lush blooms in the years to come!

Best Hydrangea Varieties for Planting Outdoors

While all hydrangeas can be planted outside with care, some species have an easier time thriving when transplanted from containers. The best varieties for success include:

Hydrangea macrophylla

Bigleaf hydrangeas produce the iconic mophead and lacecap blooms. They do well outdoors in zones 5-9 if winters are moderate.

Hydrangea paniculata

Extremely cold hardy, panicle hydrangeas thrive down to zone 3. They bloom on new wood so aren’t prone to winter dieback. ‘Limelight’ is a popular panicle.

Hydrangea arborescens

Smooth hydrangeas bloom reliably each summer on new wood. ‘Annabelle’ is a favorite arborescens.

Hydrangea quercifolia

Oakleaf hydrangeas have beautiful foliage and conical blooms. They are extremely winter hardy, tolerating zones 5-9.

Stick with these bulletproof species when planting a potted hydrangea outside, and you’ll have great success! Avoid more delicate types like Hydrangea serrata.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Despite best efforts, issues sometimes pop up when transitioning a hydrangea outside. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Few or no blooms – Very common the first year as energy goes to root growth. Fertilize and wait until the second year to accurately evaluate blooms.

Wilt – Drooping leaves usually indicate under watering. Check soil moisture and water deeply if dry beneath the surface.

Leaf spots or discoloration – Fungal disease is common. Apply fungicide and improve air circulation.

Root rot – Overwatering can cause rotten roots. Allow the soil to dry between waterings.

Dieback – Harsh winter damage can kill stems. Prune out dead branches and better protect in future winters.

Pests – Aphids, scale and caterpillars may appear. Use horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps to treat.

With proper care, most issues can be corrected and your hydrangea can recover and thrive! But it takes some patience and TLC.

When to Plant Hydrangea Cuttings Outside

When planting hydrangea cuttings, spring is ideal when the plant’s growth is peaking. This gives the cutting the entire growing season to mature into a full-size plant. For best results, plant cuttings in early morning or evening to avoid transplant shock in the heat.

Seasonal Hydrangea Care Tips

Hydrangeas are quite easy to care for with some simple seasonal maintenance. Here are tips for each season:

Spring – Prune dead stems on varieties that bloom on old wood. Fertilize smooth hydrangeas.

Summer – Water 1 inch weekly and mulch to retain moisture. Some afternoon shade is beneficial.

Fall – Plant new hydrangeas now. Stop fertilizing by September so plants harden off.

Winter – Insulate the base and root zone if extreme cold occurs. Water monthly if winter is dry.

The Best Times to Plant Hydrangeas

Late spring once the threat of frost has passed, or early fall before the first freeze are the best times for planting hydrangeas outside. This gives the roots time to establish before cold weather arrives.

FAQs About Planting Potted Hydrangeas Outdoors

Can I plant a potted hydrangea directly in the ground?

Yes, gradually transition the potted plant outside over 2-3 weeks. Then plant it in a spot with morning sun and well-draining acidic soil.

Where’s the ideal place to plant hydrangeas outside?

Plant hydrangeas in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade. East facing spots or sites under high tree canopies are perfect.

What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor hydrangeas?

Indoor plants need bright, indirect light. Outdoors they need some sun but also shelter from intense afternoon heat or sun.

When is it safe to plant hydrangeas outside?

Plant hydrangeas outside in late spring after the threat of frost has passed or in early fall before the first freeze.

Can all hydrangea varieties be planted outside successfully?

Choose hardy types like bigleaf, panicle, smooth and oakleaf hydrangeas for best results planting outdoors. Avoid more delicate varieties.

With the right variety, timing, care and location, you can successfully plant potted hydrangeas outside to enjoy their gorgeous blooms for years to come. Follow this guide for best results!