Hydrangeas can reach pretty impressive sizes, whether you’ve got them in a pot on the patio or planted directly in your flower beds. If you’re wondering how big your plants will get and how they develop over time, you’re in the right place! Here’s the lowdown on what to expect and a few tips to make sure your hydrangeas live their best life.
How Hydrangeas Grow
There are quite a few different hydrangea varieties out there, and they all have their own “growth spurts.” Classic Mophead hydrangeas (Macrophylla) typically reach about three to five feet in height. If you’re planting Panicle hydrangeas, be prepared for them to get twice that size! Then there are the Climbing hydrangeas—which, as the name suggests, love to spread out along the ground or scale walls. Give them a trellis or a sturdy wall, and they can easily climb several yards high.
To get the best growth, you need to make sure the location of your hydrangea meets its specific needs. Generally, these beauties prefer a spot with partial shade or filtered sunlight, and they definitely appreciate a little protection from harsh winds. They also love soil that is well-draining and slightly acidic. Fun fact: the pH level of your soil actually influences the flower color and how well the blooms develop!
Growth of Foliage, Roots, and Blooms
When you first plant your hydrangeas, they’re going to focus all their energy underground. The hydrangea root system needs to get firmly established so it can soak up all the nutrients and moisture it needs from the earth. To give them a head start, use a specialized hydrangea potting mix or make sure you fertilize regularly.
Here’s how to keep your hydrangeas well-fed:
- Use a dedicated hydrangea fertilizer
- Mix in some leaf compost
- Avoid fertilizers with high lime content
Once the plant feels “at home” and well-nourished, it will start putting its energy into those gorgeous blooms. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see a ton of flowers in the first year—sometimes they just need a season to settle in. Trust me, the wait is worth it! Once they get going, they bloom for a long time, and those big, lush flower heads bring such a romantic, classic vibe to any garden. Plus, you can always manage the shape and size of your plant with a little strategic pruning.
