All About Sun Tolerant Hydrangeas: How to Grow and Care for Them

Table of Contents

Credit: Source

Are you looking for a beautiful flowering plant that can withstand the summer sun? Look no further than sun tolerant hydrangeas! These hardy plants are a great addition to any garden, providing beautiful blooms in full sun or partial shade. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about how to grow and care for sun tolerant hydrangeas, including their varieties, pruning techniques, soil requirements, watering needs, and more.

What are sun tolerant hydrangeas?

Sun tolerant hydrangeas, as their name suggests, can tolerate more sunlight than other hydrangea varieties. While many hydrangeas prefer partially shaded areas or filtered sunlight, sun tolerant hydrangeas can thrive in areas with full sun exposure, making them a great choice for gardens with limited shady spots.

Why grow sun tolerant hydrangeas?

Aside from their ability to withstand the sun, sun tolerant hydrangeas have a number of benefits. Their large, showy flowers come in a variety of colors, from white to pink to blue, and can brighten up any garden or landscape. They're also relatively low maintenance once established, making them a great option for beginners or those who want a beautiful, easy-to-care-for plant.

How to choose the right sun tolerant hydrangea?

When choosing a sun tolerant hydrangea, there are several factors to consider, such as flower color, growth habits, and bloom time. The four main types of hydrangeas are panicle, smooth, oakleaf, and bigleaf. Each type has different characteristics and requirements, so it's important to choose the right one for your garden.

Hydrangea Varieties

There are several varieties of sun tolerant hydrangeas available, each with their own unique qualities and characteristics.

Panicle Hydrangeas

Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) are a popular choice for sun-tolerant gardens because of their sturdy, upright growth habit and cone-shaped blooms. They can handle full sun or partial shade, but may need some protection from harsh midday sun.

Smooth Hydrangeas

Smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) produce large, round flower heads that bloom in early summer. They prefer partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.

Oakleaf Hydrangeas

Oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) get their name from the shape of their leaves, which resemble oak leaves. They produce large, cone-shaped flower clusters that bloom in early to mid-summer. They prefer partial shade but can tolerate full sun if they're well-established.

Bigleaf Hydrangeas

Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) are known for their large, showy flowers that come in shades of blue, pink, or white. They prefer partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.

Pruning Techniques

Proper pruning is important for keeping sun tolerant hydrangeas healthy and blooming year after year. Here are some tips on when and how to prune different hydrangea varieties.

When to prune sun tolerant hydrangeas

The best time to prune sun tolerant hydrangeas depends on the type of hydrangea you have.

• Panicle hydrangeas: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
• Smooth hydrangeas: Wait until late winter or early spring, when the buds have begun to swell.
• Oakleaf hydrangeas: Prune in late summer or early fall, after the flowers have faded.
• Bigleaf hydrangeas: Wait until after the first flush of blooms has faded, then prune in late summer or early fall.

How to prune panicle hydrangeas

To prune panicle hydrangeas:

1. Remove the oldest, thickest stems at the base of the plant.
2. Cut back the remaining stems by about one-third to one-half of their length.
3. Remove any dead or damaged branches.

How to prune smooth hydrangeas

To prune smooth hydrangeas:

1. Cut back all of the stems to within a few inches of the ground.
2. Leave a few strong stems intact, cutting them back to about 18 inches.
3. Remove any dead, damaged, or weak branches.

How to prune oakleaf hydrangeas

To prune oakleaf hydrangeas:

1. Remove any dead or diseased branches.
2. Cut back the remaining stems by about one-third to one-half of their length.
3. Remove any branches that are crowding the center of the plant.

How to prune bigleaf hydrangeas

To prune bigleaf hydrangeas:

1. Remove any dead or damaged branches.
2. Cut back the stems that produced flowers by about one-third to one-half of their length.
3. Leave the healthy, leafy stems untouched.

Soil Requirements

Sun tolerant hydrangeas require specific soil conditions to thrive. Here's what you need to know about their pH and soil amendments.

pH requirements for sun tolerant hydrangeas

Sun tolerant hydrangeas prefer acidic soils with a pH between 5.2 and 6.0. If your soil is too alkaline, your hydrangeas may not grow or bloom properly. You can purchase a soil test kit from your local nursery or garden center to check the pH of your soil.

How to amend soil for sun tolerant hydrangeas

If your soil is too alkaline, you can lower its pH by adding sulfur or aluminum sulfate. For best results, follow the instructions on the product label carefully. To improve soil drainage and texture, you can also add organic matter such as compost, peat moss, or shredded leaves.

Watering Needs

Sun tolerant hydrangeas require regular watering to stay healthy and blooming. Here are some tips on how much and how often to water them.

How much water do sun tolerant hydrangeas need

Sun tolerant hydrangeas require about an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. However, be careful not to overwater your hydrangeas, as this can lead to root rot or other problems.

How to water sun tolerant hydrangeas

To water sun tolerant hydrangeas:

1. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
2. Water deeply, making sure the soil is moistened to a depth of at least six inches.
3. Avoid getting the leaves wet, as this can promote fungal growth.

Sun tolerant hydrangeas are a great choice for gardens that receive full sun or partial shade. With their beautiful blooms and relatively low maintenance, they can provide an easy way to add color and interest to your landscape. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your sun tolerant hydrangeas will thrive for years to come.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties!

Different hydrangea varieties offer their own unique beauty and characteristics. If you have the space and inclination, try planting several different types of sun tolerant hydrangeas to create a diverse and vibrant garden.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about sun tolerant hydrangeas:

What is a sun tolerant hydrangea?

A sun tolerant hydrangea is a type of hydrangea that can withstand more direct sunlight than other varieties.

Do sun tolerant hydrangeas require full sun?

While sun tolerant hydrangeas can tolerate full sun, they still benefit from some shade during the hottest part of the day, especially in hot, dry climates.

Can I grow sun tolerant hydrangeas in pots?

Yes, sun tolerant hydrangeas can be grown in containers as long as their soil and watering requirements are met.

How do I prune sun tolerant hydrangeas?

The best pruning technique depends on the type of hydrangea you have. See above for pruning tips for different hydrangea varieties.

Do sun tolerant hydrangeas change colors like other hydrangeas?

Yes, the color of sun tolerant hydrangea blooms can be affected by soil pH and mineral content, just like other hydrangeas.

How often should I water my sun tolerant hydrangeas?

Sun tolerant hydrangeas should be watered about once a week, or as needed to keep their soil moist but not waterlogged.

What kind of soil do sun tolerant hydrangeas prefer?

Sun tolerant hydrangeas prefer slightly acidic soils with a pH between 5.2 and 6.0.

How long does it take for sun tolerant hydrangeas to bloom?

The blooming time of sun tolerant hydrangeas depends on the type of hydrangea and its growing conditions. Some varieties, such as oakleaf and panicle hydrangeas, bloom in early summer, while others, such as bigleaf hydrangeas, bloom later in the season.

Can I grow sun tolerant hydrangeas in cold climates?

Sun tolerant hydrangeas can be grown in colder climates, but they may require extra protection during the winter months.

Are sun tolerant hydrangeas toxic to pets?

Sun tolerant hydrangeas contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and other symptoms if ingested by pets. Keep your hydrangeas out of reach of dogs, cats, and other animals.