Hydrangeas
Beautiful, Pest-Resistant, and Disease-Resistant
Hydrangeas are beautiful, colorful flowering plants that are pest resistant and disease resistant. They make beautiful dried flower arrangements, and come in many different varieties. You will need to know the hydrangea selections that will do well in your particular zone. The Plant Hardiness Zone Map and your local nursery or the knowledgeable gardeners in your area can help you determine the best varieties for your specific locale. Some of the very cold hardy varieties are the Annabelle and the Paniculatas. All hydrangeas are partial to the morning sun and afternoon shade.

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Fertilizing the Hydrangeas
  • Fertilize at least once in the summer. Twice is best, especially if you are using a 10-10-10. A slow-release, balanced fertilizer is recommended. Commercial manure is also good.
  • Do not fertilizer in the fall to avoid possible stimulation of new growth. Hydrangeas prepare for dormancy after August, and new growths may not be able to withstand wintry cold.
  • For small plants, try just one-eight to one-fourth of a cup. For large plants, use two to three cups. Do not apply the fertilizer next to the trunk. Spread it around the drip line of the branches. If your plant is in between sizes, err on the side of too little fertilizer rather than too much.

  • Do not apply fertilizer to a struggling plant unless you are sure the problem is not due to disease.
Growing Hydrangeas Indoors
Although it is best to plant outdoors the potted hydrangeas, you can also let them grow indoors. Be strict to observe the following conditions:
  • Locate the hydrangea in the coolest part of your home. Close any heating vents.
  • Move the plant as needed, if you do not have a window where it can have ample light. Hydrangeas require the morning sun and afternoon shade.
  • In an indoor environment, the Hydrangeas tend to dry quite rapidly. Keep the soil moist (not wet) at all times. After the danger of frost is gone, you can move them outdoors. Observe the sunlight and sunshade requirements.
  • For permanent outdoor planting, choose a shaded location and plant from early to mid summer. It needs time to acclimatize prior to winter’s cold.
Overwintering the Hydrangeas
Before the temperature gets lower than 32ºF, cover the plant with burlap, or other screen, that you can fill with bark, vermiculite, or coarse peat moss. You should remove this insulation if the blooms happen to come out, but they will still need protection in the night time. Overwintering the cuttings is another story, if you do not have a greenhouse. In that event, start the cuttings in the early summer to give them their best chances of survival.

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