[vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background__as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Hydrangeas bring an unmatched elegance to any garden landscape. They produce larger than life, enticing blooms with dark green foliage that add old-fashioned charm to summer and fall gardens. Hydrangeas come in an array of types, colors, and flowerhead forms, which can add diversity and immense beauty to your garden space and make stunning bouquets of cut flowers.
Check out our tips for how to plant hydrangeas and care for them so they will keep blooming for you year after year.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background__as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner]
How to Prepare Soil for Hydrangeas – A Comprehensive Guide
Hydrangeas are one of the most popular and beautiful flowering shrubs for gardens. With their large, showy blooms that come in a diverse range of colors, they add incredible beauty and curb appeal to any outdoor space. However, in order to get the most out of your hydrangeas, proper soil preparation is essential. The soil is the foundation that your hydrangeas will grow in, so taking the time to amend and enrich it prior to planting will give your plants the best start. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know about prepping the soil for hydrangeas.
Why Soil Preparation Matters
While hydrangeas are relatively adaptable plants, they do best when their soil needs are met. Taking the time to amend and enrich the soil before planting will:
- Loosen compacted soils so roots can spread freely
- Improve drainage and aeration
- Add organic matter to provide nutrients
- Adjust pH levels to match the hydrangea’s preferred range
Getting the soil right from the start prevents issues down the road and gives your hydrangeas the ideal growing environment to build healthy root systems and vigorous growth above ground. Think of soil preparation as giving your plants the best foundation on which to thrive for years to come.
When to Prepare Soil for Planting Hydrangeas
In ideal conditions, preparing the soil can be done at any time when the ground is workable and not frozen solid. Late fall and early spring are great times to prep the soil, allowing any amendments you incorporate to break down a bit before planting season. However, as long as you can dig in the soil, amendments can be mixed in just before planting.
If planting bareroot hydrangeas in early spring, you may need to prepare the soil while temperatures are still cool so they can get in the ground quickly. Containerized hydrangeas give you more flexibility on timing.
How to Prepare Soil for Hydrangeas – Step-By-Step
Follow this simple process for properly amending and prepping the soil for hydrangeas
- Select a Planting Site
Choose an area with the proper sunlight exposure (morning sun and afternoon shade for most hydrangeas) Ensure adequate drainage and avoid low spots where water collects. Give enough space for the expected mature size of the variety you are planting
- Remove Sod, Plants or Debris
Eliminate any grass, weeds or plant debris in the space. This gives you a blank slate for amending the soil.
- Loosen Soil
Dig down 12-18 inches and break up any large clumps or compacted soil. For severely compacted sites, loosen down to 2 feet deep if possible.
- Add Organic Amendments
Mix 2-4 inches of organic matter into the native soil. Compost, peat moss, rotted manure, leaf mold and other organic materials are great choices.
- Test and Adjust pH
Test the pH of the native soil with a kit. Adjust up or down as needed to reach the ideal range with elemental sulfur (to lower) or lime (to raise).
- Fill Planting Hole
Refill the hole with the amended soil, mounding it slightly above ground level to allow for settling.
Ideal Soil Composition for Hydrangeas
When prepping soil for hydrangeas, the ideal composition to strive for is:
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Loamy Soil – This balances nutrients, drainage and moisture retention. Loam contains a mix of sand, silt and clay.
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Rich in Organic Material – This provides nutrients, improves drainage and water retention. Aim for 20-30% organic matter.
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pH between 5.2 – 6.5 – Most hydrangeas thrive in slightly acidic soil. Some can tolerate more alkaline conditions.
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Well-Draining – Stagnant water encourages root rot. Improve drainage in clay soils and add moisture retention for sandy soils.
Common Soil Amendments for Hydrangeas
Some common soil amendments to incorporate when prepping soil for hydrangeas include:
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Compost – Mix in 2-4 inches to improve nutrients, drainage and moisture retention.
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Peat moss – Lightens heavy soils, retains moisture and lowers pH. Mix in up to 1/3 concentration.
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Aged manure – Adds nutrients and organic matter. Use in moderation to avoid excess salinity.
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Leaf mold – Provides organic material, moisture retention and nutrients. An ideal amendment.
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Elemental sulfur – Lowers pH for varieties that need acidic soil.
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Lime – Raises pH for hydrangeas that prefer more alkaline soils.
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Sand – Add to clay soils to improve drainage. Avoid overuse in sandy soils.
Performing a Soil Test
The best way to understand your existing soil composition and pH is to perform a soil test. This takes the guesswork out of choosing amendments. Test for pH, organic matter percentage, and macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium at minimum.
Target the middle of the ideal pH range for the variety you are planting to allow for fluctuations. Apply amendments based on the test results to correct any deficiencies.
Prepping Different Soil Types
The preparation method may vary depending on your native soil:
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Clay soils – Loosen deeply, incorporate lots of organic matter to improve drainage.
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Sandy soils – Add higher amounts of organic matter to increase moisture retention. Mulch well.
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Compacted soils – Loosen extensively, potentially down to 2+ feet deep. Adding organic matter also helps long term.
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Wet or poorly draining soils – Incorporate extra organic material high in sand or create raised beds for improved drainage.
Ongoing Soil Care
Proper soil care does not stop after planting hydrangeas. Here are some tips for keeping the soil healthy long term:
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Mulch annually with 2-3 inches of wood chips or leaves to retain moisture and replenish organic matter.
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Fertilize based on soil test results to avoid over-fertilization.
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Check pH yearly and amend as needed to keep the soil within the ideal range.
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Watch for signs of nutrient deficiencies and address them promptly.
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Improve drainage if soils become waterlogged.
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Continue adding compost or other organic matter each fall.
By taking the time to properly prepare the soil before planting and tending it carefully over time, you will provide the nourishment hydrangeas need to thrive for years of beauty. With the right soil foundation, your hydrangeas will grow vigorously and showcase their signature bold, colorful blooms every summer.
Pruning Hydrangeas in the Fall
- Pruning time for fall bloomers takes place in the early spring.
- Snip away dead or diseased stalks.
- Use shears to remove spent flower heads. Be careful not to cut them back too low, or else you will sacrifice next year’s blooms. Trim back only to the first leaf joint.
- Remove any dry leaves and debris from the base of the plant and add them to your compost pile.
- Add mulch around the base of the plant.
Where to Plant Hydrangeas
Select a planting site that gets a fair amount of sun but also has some shade. Morning full-sun conditions are best, as the hot afternoon sun can stress out the plant, causing it to wilt under high heat.
How to Plant Hydrangeas
FAQ
How do you prepare soil for hydrangeas?
Work the soil to at least six inches deeper than you plan to plant your hydrangeas. If your hydrangeas come in a 12 inch tall pot, you’ll need to aerate and amend the soil to a depth of one and a half or two feet. If your soil is poor in quality, rocky, sandy, or made up of heavy clay, break up the soil well.
Do hydrangeas like coffee grounds in the soil?
If you’ve been trying to get your hydrangeas to become big and blue, then we might just have the tip for you. Hydrangeas color is based on how acidic your soil is—the more acidic the soil you plant your hydrangeas in, the more blue. We’ve found that adding a few coffee grounds to your soil can do just the trick.
What month is best to plant hydrangeas?
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Late Spring:This allows the plant to establish its roots and get acclimated before the summer heat and the potential for mid-summer drought.
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Early Fall:Planting in the fall, especially in areas with mild winters, allows the plant’s roots to become established before the colder weather arrives. This can lead to a stronger, healthier plant in the long run.
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Factors to consider:
- Last Frost: In areas with frost, it’s crucial to wait until the risk of frost has passed before planting.
- First Frost: In colder regions, ensure the plant is planted at least six weeks before the first expected frost to allow roots to establish before winter.
- Hydrangea Type: Some hydrangea varieties, like oakleaf hydrangeas, prefer warmer climates and may thrive better in the fall.
- Climate: In very warm climates, like USDA Zone 10, planting can be done in the winter.
- Last Frost: In areas with frost, it’s crucial to wait until the risk of frost has passed before planting.
How do you care for a Hydrangea plant?
Acidic soil – Raise pH by mixing in dolomitic lime if needed for oakleaf and panicle hydrangeas. Compacted soil – Loosen and break up soil deeply, potentially down 2+ feet for severely compacted areas. Adding organic matter will also improve the soil structure long-term. Proper soil care does not end after planting your hydrangeas.
How do you grow a Hydrangea plant?
Top dress with compost. Chalky or alkaline soil – Mix in elemental sulfur or an acidic planting mix to lower the pH for hydrangeas. Acidic soil – Raise pH by mixing in dolomitic lime if needed for oakleaf and panicle hydrangeas. Compacted soil – Loosen and break up soil deeply, potentially down 2+ feet for severely compacted areas.
What is a good soil pH for hydrangeas?
Blue Hydrangea Magic: For that enchanting shade of blue, aim for a soil pH below 5.5, signaling an acidic soil. The key player here is aluminum, the artist behind the mesmerizing blue canvas that makes these fertile flowers a favorite in small gardens.
Do hydrangeas need a drainage hole?
Add a drainage hole to your potted hydrangea to avoid this common issue. Whether in sandy soil, clay soil, or native soil, catering to the specific needs of each hydrangea variety ensures a bountiful display of blooms throughout the growing season. Use this Soil Calculator to find out how much soil you’ll need!
How do you improve Hydrangea soil?
Sandier soils may need more organic matter to retain moisture while heavy clay soils need help improving drainage. Some common amendments to improve hydrangea soil include: Compost – Mix in 2-4 inches to enrich soil nutrients, improve moisture retention and drainage. Peat moss – Helps lighten heavy soils, retain moisture, and lower pH.