Timing really depends on your plant hardiness zone.
Plus, most hydrangeasare perennials, which means you will have gorgeous blooming bushes year after year.
But you do have a pretty large window to play with.
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Here are the common types of hydrangeas and when to plant them according to the experts.
Hydrangea Shrubs
Noyes says fall and spring are the best times to plant hydrangeas shrubs.
you’re able to technically also plant them in the summer, but it is not recommended.
“Transplant your hydrangea when it is dormant, and absolutely avoid it when the plant is in bloom.
Jen McDonald, certified organic gardener and co-founder of Garden Girls, says where you plant is also vital.
“Choose a location that favors the hydrangea you select.”
Climbing Hydrangea
Should you plant climbing and shrub hydrangeas at different times?
Noyes says the answer is no; the same timing applies to both types.
Fall is typically the best time to plant, with spring being a close second.
There is a narrower window with spring planting, and it does come with potential risks.
“However, in warmer climates, transplanting them in fall is quite feasible and usually successful.”
“The best time to transplant hydrangeas is in fall or early spring.
“Plant them in the spring once the danger of frost has passed.
Zone 3
USDA Gardening Zones range from the coldest to the hottest.
This zone covers a range of states such as Wyoming, Montana, Maine, and parts of Colorado.
The lowest temperatures for zone 3 range from -40 and -30 degrees Fahrenheit.
The lowest temperatures for zone 4 run between -30 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
The lowest temperature ranges between -20 and -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Most hydrangeas will only grow well in zones 3-9.
She says that when to plant depends on when dormancy starts.
In zones 3-5, the best time to plant is in September,” she says.
The temperatures range from -10 and 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
This zone covers a wide range of states from the east to the west coast.
Some states included in this zone are Alabama, Georgia, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, and Utah.
The average winter temperature ranges between 0 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
It covers states such as South Carolina, Texas, and even the Oregon coast.
The lowest average temperatures range between 10 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
That means you could plant a bit later into fall because it doesn’t frost until November.
This is the shortest span between frost dates until you get into zone 10 and beyond.
For this zone, you may even be able to plant hydrangeas during winter.
Incorporating coarse sand will help improve drainage,” she advises.
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 and well-drained.
Place your plants somewhere that offers a bit of shade.
“Hydrangeas thrive in both full sun andpartial shade conditions.
“No, you don’t cut them back in winter.
She advisespruning hydrangeasbefore the plant produces new buds and far before it opens any new leaves.
“Hydrangeas, far from being drought-tolerant, are always on the lookout for a good watering.
Their verdant leafy mounds are telltale signs of their thirst,” Noyes explains.
The larger the hydrangea, the greater its thirst.
You will water less frequently during the cold winter months.
They also call for more frequent watering after transplanting.
