How Big Do Hydrangeas Get and How to Properly Care for Them

Size Range Of Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a popular choice among gardeners due to their beautiful blooms and lush foliage. Size is an important factor when selecting a hydrangea, as they can vary greatly in height and width.

Most hydrangeas grow between 3 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide, making them a preferred choice for many gardeners. These medium-sized hydrangeas strike a good balance between space requirement and visual impact. They are ideal for adding color and texture to garden beds or creating attractive hedge formations.

Climbing hydrangeas are the largest among the hydrangea family, reaching an impressive 30 to 50 feet in height. These vigorous climbers require a sturdy trellis or wall to support them. When properly trained and maintained, they can create a breathtaking display as they scale vertical surfaces with their cascades of flowers.

On the other end of the spectrum, mountain hydrangeas are the smallest of the hydrangea species. They typically grow between 2 and 4 feet tall and wide, making them perfect for small gardens, containers, or even as indoor plants. Despite their compact size, mountain hydrangeas are known for their stunning blooms and ability to thrive in cooler climates.

Different Sizes Of Hydrangea Varieties

When it comes to hydrangeas, there are different types that vary in their growth habits and sizes. Here are some popular hydrangea varieties and their typical dimensions:

• Bigleaf hydrangeas, also known as mophead or lacecap hydrangeas, typically grow between 3 to 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide. They have large, showy flower heads that come in various colors, depending on the soil acidity.

• Climbing hydrangeas can reach impressive heights of 30 to 50 feet. They have aerial roots that allow them to attach themselves to surfaces, making them perfect for covering walls, fences, or arbors. They add a strong vertical element to any garden.

• Oakleaf hydrangeas grow between 3 to 12 feet tall and have distinct oak-shaped leaves. These hydrangeas are known for their vibrant fall foliage colors and cone-shaped flower clusters. They also have exfoliating bark, adding textural interest to the garden throughout the year.

• Panicled hydrangeas, like the popular ‘Limelight’ variety, can grow from 3 to 20 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. They have large, conical flower clusters that go through a beautiful color transformation from green to white, then pink, and finally deep rose. Gardeners love their robust growth habit and stunning blooms.

• Smooth hydrangeas, such as the native ‘Annabelle,’ can grow from 3 to 10 feet tall and up to 6 feet wide. Despite their large size, they have a graceful appearance with large, round white flower clusters. They create a beautiful focal point in any landscape.

Overall, understanding the growth habits and sizes of different hydrangea varieties can help you plan and create a visually appealing garden with these stunning plants.

Factors Affecting Hydrangea Size

The size of hydrangeas can be influenced by various factors, including the variety itself, the amount of sunlight it receives, the water it gets, the quality of the soil it’s planted in, the climate it grows in, and the pruning techniques employed.

Different hydrangea varieties have innate growth habits that determine how big they will ultimately become. Therefore, selecting the right hydrangea species or cultivar for your desired size is crucial in achieving the desired outcome in your garden.

Sunlight is another important factor that affects the growth and size of hydrangeas. While most hydrangeas prefer partial sun or dappled shade, some varieties can tolerate more sun exposure, while others thrive best in shadier spots. Providing the appropriate amount of sunlight will contribute to the plant’s overall health and size.

Watering is essential for the proper growth of hydrangeas. They prefer well-hydrated soil, and deep watering at least three times a week is recommended. Regular and consistent watering will ensure that the plants develop strong root systems and reach their potential size.

The quality and composition of the soil are equally important. Hydrangeas prefer well-draining soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Amending the soil with organic matter such as compost can improve its structure and fertility, contributing to the growth and size of the plant.

The climate also plays a role in determining the size of hydrangeas. Different hydrangea species have different hardiness zones, which indicate the regions where they will grow best. Hydrangeas thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3-7, but it’s important to choose the right species or cultivar for your specific climate conditions.

Finally, pruning techniques can be used to shape and control the size of hydrangeas. Pruning can be done in early spring or after flowering, depending on the type of hydrangea. Proper pruning removes dead or weak branches, stimulates new growth, and promotes fuller and larger blooms. It’s important, however, to understand the specific pruning requirements of each hydrangea variety to avoid negatively impacting future growth.

Pruning Techniques To Promote Growth

Pruning hydrangeas can be beneficial for promoting growth and maintaining an optimal size. Here are some general guidelines on how to prune hydrangeas effectively:

• Deadhead spent flowers: Removing faded blooms encourages the plant to redirect energy into new growth and bloom production.

• Remove dead or weak branches: Pruning away dead or damaged branches not only improves the plant’s appearance but also stimulates new growth.

• Shape the plant: Prune selectively to shape the overall structure of the hydrangea. This can be done in early spring or right after the plant finishes flowering, depending on the specific variety.

• Rejuvenation pruning: For older hydrangeas or those that have become overgrown, rejuvenation pruning can be performed. This involves cutting the entire plant back to 6-12 inches from the ground, which encourages vigorous new growth.

Remember to prune each hydrangea variety according to its specific requirements, as some hydrangeas bloom on old wood while others bloom on new wood. Improper or excessive pruning can result in reduced bloom production or stunted growth.

Specific Heights And Sizes Of Hydrangea Varieties

Let’s dive into the specific heights and sizes of some popular hydrangea varieties:

• Climbing hydrangeas can grow up to 40 feet in height when planted near a trellis or wall, making them perfect for vertical accents in the garden.

• Hydrangea arborescens can reach heights of up to 5 feet. The ‘Annabelle’ cultivar, known for its large white flower heads, is a popular choice in this species.

• Hydrangea macrophylla can reach up to 6 feet tall. This species includes both mophead and lacecap hydrangeas, known for their color-changing blooms.

• Bigleaf hydrangeas grow to a height of about 6 feet and are versatile in their use, whether as specimen plants, foundation plantings, or hedge formations.

• Hydrangea ‘Pia’ is a compact cultivar that grows to 2-3 feet tall and wide. It is a great choice for smaller gardens or containers.

• Hydrangea paniculata can reach heights of up to 15 feet, with popular varieties like ‘Limelight’ and ‘Pinky Winky’ being excellent landscape choices.

• Hydrangea ‘Fire Light’ grows 6-8 feet tall and wide. This panicle hydrangea features large, cone-shaped flower heads that emerge creamy white and turn pink as they age.

• Hydrangea quercifolia, known as oakleaf hydrangea, can reach heights of up to 8 feet, offering beautiful white blooms and stunning fall foliage colors.

• Hydrangea ‘Pee Wee’ is a compact variety of oakleaf hydrangea that grows 4-5 feet tall and wide. It starts with white flowers that gradually turn pink as they mature.

• The Hydrangea serrata Mountain hydrangea grows up to about 4 feet tall. It is a subspecies of Hydrangea macrophylla and is known for its elegant lacecap blooms.

• The Hydrangea ‘Bluebird’ grows 3-4 feet tall and wide, producing stunning blue or pink flower clusters depending on the soil pH.

the size of hydrangeas can vary from compact shrubs to imposing climbers. Choosing the right variety for your space and properly caring for them by providing appropriate sunlight, water, and soil conditions are essential in helping hydrangeas reach their desired size. Additionally, using pruning techniques suitable for each variety can promote growth and ensure the plant’s overall health and appearance. With careful attention and proper care, you can enjoy the beauty and spectacle of hydrangeas in your garden for years to come.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How big does the original hydrangea get?

The original Endless Summer Hydrangea is a marvelous flowering shrub with an impressive size. It can reach a height and width of 3 to 5 feet, making it a fantastic addition to any garden or landscape. With its abundant and vibrant blooms, this deciduous shrub is sure to captivate and enhance the beauty of its surroundings.

Which hydrangea grows tallest?

The oakleaf hydrangea grows taller than the panicle hydrangea. Oakleaf hydrangea is a large, broad-leafed shrub that can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet and can occasionally grow up to 15 feet tall. It prefers partial shade and its flowers also bloom on the current season’s growth, making it an attractive choice for gardeners looking for a taller hydrangea variety.

Are hydrangeas poisonous?

Regrettably, hydrangeas possess toxic properties that make them harmful to both pets and children. The presence of cyanide in all parts of the plant, including the flower buds, can pose severe health risks if accidentally ingested. Symptoms of poisoning may range from shortness of breath, dizziness, and fainting, to a rapid pulse. In more severe cases, convulsions and even death can occur. It is crucial to exercise caution and ensure that these beautiful flowers are kept out of reach, especially in households with young ones or curious pets.

Do hydrangeas have short roots?

Hydrangeas are known for having relatively short roots, specifically the big-leaf hydrangeas. These shallow roots can make them more susceptible to drying out and heat stress. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to apply a 2-3″ layer of shredded bark mulch around the plant. This mulch helps conserve moisture and regulates the temperature of the roots, promoting quicker growth and overall plant well-being.

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