Hydrangeas’ bouncing white, blue, and pink blooms are some of the most popular, versatile, and stunning florals you can choose for your yard. These delightful flowers have made something of a reputation for themselves, making Utah’s homeowners believe that they are too difficult to manage in the ever-changing climate.
But these gorgeous plants can grow and even thrive in Utah under the right conditions. We are experts on finding the right plants for your Utah yard, and we’ve compiled our tips, tricks, and inspirational ideas for how to grow the best hydrangeas in Utah.
Hydrangeas are gorgeous flowering shrubs that add incredible beauty to gardens with their large, showy blooms. Their lush blossoms come in white, blue, pink, purple and other captivating colors. It’s no wonder they are so beloved.
But can these stylish shrubs thrive in Utah’s climate? With the state’s arid environment, alkaline soils, windy conditions and extreme temperature swings, some gardeners wonder if hydrangeas can flourish here.
The good news is yes – with the right variety choices and proper care, hydrangeas can grow beautifully in the unique conditions of Utah. Follow this guide to successfully grow happy, healthy hydrangeas that will bloom abundantly even in Utah’s challenges.
Why Hydrangeas Struggle in Utah
While hydrangeas originate from Asia and can grow in many regions of North America, Utah’s climate does present some particular obstacles that can make hydrangeas struggle compared to other locations:
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Low humidity – Hydrangeas prefer more humid climates. Utah’s dry air stresses plants.
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Insufficient water – Hydrangeas need moist soil Utah’s low rainfall leads to drought stress
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Harsh sun – Hot sun scorches leaves and blooms. Morning sun only is best.
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Alkaline soil – Hydrangeas prefer slightly acidic soil pH Utah’s naturally alkaline soil affects health
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Cold winters – While somewhat cold hardy, Utah’s frigid winter temps may damage or kill some varieties.
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Late spring frosts – Frosts can damage emerging hydrangea buds and blooms.
Choosing the Right Hydrangea Varieties
Luckily, plant breeders have developed exceptional hydrangea varieties that can overcome Utah’s climate challenges. Here are some of the best types to try:
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Endless Summer – Reblooming type that flowers on old and new wood. Withstands harsh winters. Gorgeous blue or pink blossoms.
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Limelight – Unfazed by low humidity and alkaline soil. Bright lime-green blooms.
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Little Lime – Dwarf Limelight perfect for containers. Grows just 5 feet tall.
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Incrediball – Huge 12-inch blooms on strong stems make this a showstopper. Also heat and rebloom tolerant.
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Cityline – Bred to be extra cold hardy and rebloom well. ‘Paris’ has white blooms, ‘Vienna’ has red or blue.
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Smooth Hydrangea – Native oakleaf type with excellent cold hardiness to -40°F. White cone-shaped blooms.
Providing the Right Growing Conditions
The key to hydrangea success in Utah is providing ideal growing conditions. Here are some tips:
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Morning sun – Plant in a spot with morning sun but afternoon shade. East facing locations are perfect.
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Wind protection – Shield hydrangeas from harsh winds that damage blooms and dry out plants. Use fences, walls or hedges as buffers.
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Consistent water – Hydrangeas need generous moisture. Deep soak the root zone 1-2 times per week in summer. Mulch well.
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Acidic soil – Lower the soil pH to the ideal 5.2 to 5.5 range by adding organic matter and acidifying fertilizer.
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Winter protection – In cold climates, wrap or insulate plants over winter to protect from dieback. Remove coverings by early spring.
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Delayed pruning – To avoid removing next year’s blooms, prune in summer after flowering rather than during dormancy.
Planting and Maintaining Hydrangeas
Follow these tips when planting and caring for hydrangeas:
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Plant in spring or fall, avoiding summer heat. Space plants 3-6 feet apart depending on variety.
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Dig a wide hole and mix in compost or peat to enrich soil. Set at same depth as it was growing in the nursery pot.
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Water deeply 2-3 times per week the first summer to establish extensive roots.
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Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Replenish as needed.
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In early spring, apply an acidic fertilizer for hydrangeas per package directions.
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Prune immediately after flowering by removing dead stems and oldest stems down to the ground to encourage new growth.
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To boost blue flower color, apply aluminum sulfate fertilizer to lower soil pH. For pink, add lime to raise pH.
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In fall prepare for winter by mounding soil or mulch over the base for insulation.
Enjoying the Rewards
With proper care, Utah gardeners can be rewarded with the same gorgeous hydrangea blooms seen in more humid climates. The range of flower colors, shapes and sizes means you can find just the right hydrangeas to complement your garden’s style. Pampering these divas is well worth it when those lush blossoms appear in summer. With some simple adjustments, your hydrangeas will not only survive Utah winters, but thrive for years of spectacular beauty.
What Are the Best Hydrangeas for Utah?
These hydrangeas are known for their large white or pale pink flowers that pop off during the summer. Blooming with full, rounded clusters, they are long-lasting flowers that are easy to dry and use throughout the year. Like Panicle Hydrangeas, Smooth Hydrangeas are low maintenance and tolerate Utah’s extreme temperatures, making them an easy choice for Utah gardens.
This breed of hydrangea includes variations like Limelight, Fire Light, and Tardiva. Once established, this variation is relatively drought tolerant, perfect for Utah’s hot summers. These voluminous blooms are low maintenance and grow fuller with more sun—again, a perfect fit for long hot days.
With some of the most striking fall colors, including red, orange, and purple leaves, as the temperatures drop, the Oakleaf Hydrangea boasts showy white blooms. This plant flowers in the late spring and early summer, with flowers that start white and turn pink as they age. While this variation tolerates low water, it still prefers consistent moisture, and you’ll get your best results by keeping the soil moist. Tolerating colder temps, this might be the best hydrangea for your yard if you are in the northern part of the state or higher elevations.
Climbing Hydrangeas offer many benefits to Utah gardeners. With the right training, they will climb walls and trellises. They are also more shade tolerant than other plants, making them a great choice for the northern and eastern sides of the home. The dark green foliage offers a stark background for the delicate white clusters, and once established, they require very minimal maintenance.
This variety might be a little more delicate than the others, but its brilliant bright blue blooms are absolutely worth a little TLC. Nikko Blue Hydrangeas do best in partial shade and do better when protected from direct afternoon sun. They also might require mulching around the base to protect the roots from frost in colder areas of the state, but overall tolerate sun and cold well. To maintain the blue color of this hydrangea, plant (or amend the soil) to be more acidic than alkaline.
How to Plant Hydrangeas in Utah for Long-Lasting Results
First, choose your location for your hydrangea, as your location will inform you of the breed of plant you choose and any preparation steps you might need to take. Depending on the variety, you might need more alkaline soil, more shade, better drainage, or more water.
Make sure that the spot you choose matches the specific needs of the hydrangea variety you choose. Then, amend your soil as necessary. Remember, some breeds of hydrangea will change color based on the acidity of the soil, so make sure you understand the specifics of your variety.
Drainage is also important- while most varieties prefer moist soil, they also need excellent drainage. Prune your hydrangeas after they bloom, but make sure you aren’t cutting next year’s flowers. Fertilize in the early spring with a slow-release fertilizer. In the winter, mulch around the base of more delicate varieties, like the Nikko Blue. Keep an eye on your hydrangeas, and with a little effort, you can have the gorgeous, full blooms these beauties have to offer.
Growing Hydrangeas in Utah
FAQ
Can hydrangeas survive in Utah?
The answer is yes, depending on the variety of Hydrangea and the site conditions (soil type, water type, amount of sun).Aug 6, 2024
What zone is Utah for hydrangeas?
While there are approximately 23 species of Hydrangea grown throughout the world, and new varieties are developed all the time, there are three that do well in northern Utah. Hydrangea paniculata is the most cold hardy member of the hydrangea genus. It can be reliably grown in zones 4 to 7.
Where should you not plant hydrangeas?
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Southern Livinghttps://www.southernliving.com8 Mistakes You Should Never Make With Your HydrangeasOct 16, 2022 — While your hydrangea’s sun or shade needs will vary based on its type, one denominator remains pretty much the same: Don’t plant under big trees. Gr…
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Real Simplehttps://www.realsimple.comWhen to Plant Hydrangeas, According to a Horticulturist and Pro GardenerFeb 25, 2025 — Noyes also stresses that you should never plant hydrangeas in poor quality soil or where it lacks sufficient drainage. They need soil that’s fertile…
What are the best hydrangeas for Utah County?
Panicle hydrangeas are among the best hydrangeas for Utah, period. They can tolerate more sun than other species of hydrangeas, although they still do appreciate a break during the hottest part of the day.