Those cute little potted hydrangeas you see at the garden center might look small now, but don’t let them fool you! They quickly grow into impressive shrubs. Knowing exactly how big your hydrangea will get is the secret to picking the perfect spot in your yard and nailing your landscape design.
How Tall Do the Most Popular Varieties Get?
There are tons of different hydrangea varieties out there, and they definitely don’t follow a “one size fits all” rule when it comes to height. Usually, you can check the plant tag or ask someone at the nursery for the expected size. But if you’ve already tossed the tag or inherited a plant with your new house, you can estimate its size based on the type:
Common Hydrangea Varieties and Their Heights:
- Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Mopheads): Up to 6.5 feet
- Panicle Hydrangeas: Between 6.5 and 13 feet
- Oakleaf Hydrangeas: Around 6.5 feet
- Lacecap Hydrangeas: Between 3 and 5 feet
Keep in mind that growth also depends on your local conditions. Hydrangeas are “hungry” plants—they need plenty of nutrients to support all those lush leaves and massive blooms. If your soil is rich and you fertilize regularly, they’ll reach their full potential much faster. It’s also a good idea to pick a great location and plan for proper spacing right from the start, as hydrangeas aren’t big fans of being moved once they’re settled.
Managing Size Through Pruning
If your hydrangea is getting a bit too wild for its space, you can manage its height and width with some strategic pruning. Just be careful: you need to know which variety you have before you grab the shears! Some hydrangeas bloom on “new wood” (fresh growth), while others bloom on “old wood” (stems from the previous year). Cutting at the wrong time could mean no flowers next season.
While some hydrangeas look beautiful left to grow naturally, an older shrub might eventually need a little TLC. If the center of the bush gets too crowded, air can’t circulate well, and the heavy stems can start to struggle. In that case, a “rejuvenation prune” can work wonders to thin things out and get your plant looking fresh and healthy again!
