Do Hydrangeas Grow in Utah? A Complete Guide

Hydrangeas are absolutely gorgeous flowering shrubs that can add stunning pops of color to any garden. With their large, showy blooms, hydrangeas are one of the most popular landscape plants But many wonder if hydrangeas can thrive in Utah’s unique climate

The short answer is yes – with the right care and preparation, hydrangeas can flourish in the Beehive State. While Utah’s arid environment does present some challenges, there are ways to help hydrangeas beat the heat.

Why Hydrangeas Struggle in Utah

Utah can be a tough place for hydrangeas to grow successfully Here are some of the main reasons these flowering shrubs have a hard time in Utah’s climate

• Low humidity – Hydrangeas prefer more humid air and Utah’s dry climate can cause moisture stress.

• Lack of rainfall – Hydrangeas need consistent moisture and Utah’s low annual rainfall often leads to drought conditions.

• Harsh sun – The intense sun at Utah’s high elevation can easily burn hydrangea leaves and blooms.

• Alkaline soil – Hydrangeas prefer slightly acidic soil in the pH range of 5.2-5.5. Utah’s soils are naturally alkaline.

• Extreme winters – While hydrangeas can handle some cold, Utah’s frigid winter temperatures may damage or kill them.

• Late spring frosts – Hydrangea buds and blooms are prone to damage from Utah’s late frosts in early spring.

Choosing the Right Varieties

Luckily, plant breeders have developed some exceptional hydrangea varieties that can overcome Utah’s climate challenges:

• Endless Summer – These re-blooming hydrangeas bloom on both old and new wood, so you still get flowers even after harsh winters. They have gorgeous blue or pink blossoms.

• Limelight – A panicle hydrangea unaffected by Utah’s arid air and alkaline soil. It has bright lime-green blooms.

• Little Lime – A dwarf Limelight variety perfect for containers. It only grows to 5 feet tall.

• Incrediball – Massive 12-inch blooms on strong stems make this a real showstopper. It reblooms reliably and tolerates heat.

• Cityline – Bred to be extra cold hardy and rebloom vigorously. ‘Paris’ has white blooms while ‘Vienna’ has red or blue.

• Smooth Hydrangea – A native oakleaf hydrangea hardy to -40°F. Has white cone-shaped blooms.

Providing the Right Growing Conditions

The key to success with hydrangeas in Utah is giving them the ideal growing environment:

• Morning sun – Plant in a spot with morning sun but afternoon shade. East-facing locations are best.

• Wind protection – Shield plants from harsh winds which damage blooms and dry out the shrub. Use fences, walls or hedges as windbreaks.

• Consistent water – Deeply soak the root zone 1-2 times per week during summer. Mulch to retain moisture.

• Acidic soil – Incorporate peat moss into the soil to lower the pH into the ideal 5.2-5.5 range. Use an acidifying fertilizer.

• Winter protection – In fall, mound soil or mulch over the base as insulation from winter dieback. Remove in early spring.

• Summer pruning – Prune immediately after blooming to avoid removing next year’s flower buds.

Planting and Maintaining Hydrangeas

Follow these tips when planting and caring for hydrangeas in Utah:

• Plant in spring or fall, avoiding summer’s heat. Space plants 3-6 feet apart depending on variety.

• Dig a wide hole and mix in compost or peat to enrich the soil. Set at the same depth as it was growing in the nursery pot.

• Water deeply 2-3 times per week the first year to establish extensive roots.

• Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Replenish as needed.

• In early spring, apply an acidic fertilizer made for hydrangeas per package directions.

• Prune dead stems immediately after flowering and cut oldest stems to the ground to encourage new growth.

• For blue flowers, apply aluminum sulfate fertilizer to acidify the soil. For pink, add lime to raise the pH.

• In fall, insulate the base with mounded soil or mulch to protect from winter damage.

Getting the Location Right

When it comes to planting location, choose spots that receive morning sunlight but afternoon shade. East-facing sites are ideal. Planting on the south side of buildings or trees provides protection from intense western sun.

Avoid open, windy areas that could damage the blooms and dry out the shrubs. Use fences, walls or hedges as windbreaks if needed. Space plants 3-6 feet apart depending on variety size. Dig wide planting holes and amend the soil with compost or peat moss.

Watering Hydrangeas in Utah’s Arid Climate

Consistent moisture is key to hydrangea health in Utah’s arid climate. Water the plants deeply 2-3 times per week during the first year after planting to establish deep roots. Add 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the base of plants to help retain soil moisture.

As plants mature, a weekly deep watering of about 1-2 inches is usually sufficient. Soak the entire root zone thoroughly when watering. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to avoid wetting the foliage. Drooping leaves or wilting are signs that hydrangeas need more water.

Getting the Soil Right for Hydrangeas

One of the most important steps to growing hydrangeas in Utah is amending the naturally alkaline soil to create the ideal acidic conditions they prefer. Shoot for a pH between 5.2 and 5.5.

When preparing planting holes, mix in several inches of sphagnum peat moss, pine bark fines, or compost. These organic materials help acidify the soil. Continue to top-dress around plants with acidic compost during the growing season.

Also apply aluminum sulfate, a fertilizer that lowers soil pH, per package directions. For established plants, sprinkle around the root zone in early spring and again in late summer. Avoid over-application of aluminum sulfate as it can damage roots.

Protecting Hydrangeas Through Harsh Utah Winters

Hydrangeas can survive Utah’s cold winters with a little extra protection. In fall, mound a 6-8 inch layer of insulating mulch or soil around the base of the plants. Leaves, straw or pine needles work well.

Wrap plants with burlap or frost blankets if temperatures will dip below -10°F. Remove any wrappings by early spring so plants don’t push new growth too early. Prune only after flowering since hydrangeas set next year’s bloom buds in fall.

Choose more cold hardy hydrangea species like Smooth hydrangeas and Endless Summer varieties. Avoid planting in open, windy sites which can desiccate plants in winter. With proper care, hydrangeas will return reliably even after Utah’s harshest winters.

Getting Gorgeous Hydrangea Flowers

With the right conditions, hydrangeas will reward Utah gardeners with their signature lush blooms. To encourage the best flower production:

• Prune immediately after flowering by removing dead stems and cutting oldest stems to the ground. This encourages new growth that will bloom next year.

• For blue flowers, keep the soil pH low by applying aluminum sulfate fertilizer. Pink blooms prefer higher pH soil amended with lime.

• Prevent wilting and drought stress by watering deeply 2-3 times per week. Consistent moisture equals more flowers!

• Apply fertilizer made specifically for hydrangeas in early spring and again in midsummer. This provides nutrients for bloom development.

• Protect plants from intense sunlight and harsh winds which can damage delicate hydrangea flowers.

Enjoying Hydrangeas in Utah’s Unique Climate

While it takes a bit more effort to pamper hydrangeas in Utah’s climate, the rewards are well worth it. The variety of hydrangea bloom colors, sizes and shapes means you can find just the right ones to complement your garden. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to grow, overwinter and enjoy gorgeous hydrangeas for years of outstanding beauty.

Hydrangeas should be planted in a location that offers a balance of sun and shade, with well-draining soil. Avoid planting them in areas with full, intense sun all day, especially in hotter climates, as this can cause wilting and the need for more frequent watering. Also, avoid planting them in areas with heavy, wet clay soil that doesn’t drain well, as this can lead to root rot.