Hello! I am very interested in a Hydrangea; however, for some reason I have this idea that these are very hard plants to take care of. Maybe because I have heard they require a specific PH. Is this true? Could a beginner successfully have one of these plants? I am thinking about the tidbit hydrangea from Proven Winners. If this plant could be a good option for me, what are some things I should know about them? Also, is there anything special I should do as I plant it? Thank you!!

Proven Winners website has a selection of Hydrangeas. Is there one in particular that you want?

https://www.provenwinners.com/...

I'm thinking the Fire Light Tidbit
https://www.provenwinners.com/...

That's pretty! Not one I've had. Best luck! ; )

I lo ve hydrangeas and have several. Some came with the house. These have big mop head blue flowers. I have blue, white and pink lace cap hydrangeas that require a bit of shade although I do see them growing in full sun. Hydrangeas love water so keep that in mind when you purchase one. Some afternoon shade would be good if you're in a bake-out situation with no mature trees to act as a canopy. Also check the pruning time for the variety you get. Some bloom on new wood, others on old wood. Enjoy these beautiful flowers.

That one is a Panicle Hydrangea and in your area it would do best with mostly full sun. Panicle Hydrangea are pretty much the easiest to grow since harsh Winters have little effect since they flower on new wood. Just watch watering especially during the first season.

NJBob said: That one is a Panicle Hydrangea and in your area it would do best with mostly full sun. Panicle Hydrangea are pretty much the easiest to grow since harsh Winters have little effect since they flower on new wood. Just watch watering especially during the first season.

Thank you! The location I have for it is full sun. What do you mean with regard to watering? Does it need a lot more that first season? Do I need to worry about PH?

breith95 said: I lo ve hydrangeas and have several. Some came with the house. These have big mop head blue flowers. I have blue, white and pink lace cap hydrangeas that require a bit of shade although I do see them growing in full sun. Hydrangeas love water so keep that in mind when you purchase one. Some afternoon shade would be good if you're in a bake-out situation with no mature trees to act as a canopy. Also check the pruning time for the variety you get. Some bloom on new wood, others on old wood. Enjoy these beautiful flowers.

Thank you! I didn't know that about the water. Do yours bloom for a long time?

Hydrangea paniculata like soil pH levels between 5.8 and 6.2. Unlike other types of hydrangeas, soil pH level don't impact the color of the flowers but having the "optimal" soil pH level will help you avoid iron deficiency in the leaves, and keep your plants healthy and more resistant to pest.

They require more water then most plants. They usually need to be watered deeply 2 to 3 times a week during Summer. They will wilt if not watered enough.

I have many Hydrangeas: all of them are rescue plants: people buy them forced around Easter and think they are dying when they start browning after a couple weeks. That's where I come in.

Generally speaking they are easy and hardy plants with one very notable exception: modern European hybrids. They are extremely difficult to keep alive. I have one I rescued last year which seems to be finally recovering but will most likely need extra recovery pruning and another year to start blooming again.

But ordinary hydrangeas are a treat. Even getting huge flowers out of them is not difficult: just keep them well watered and pump them full of liquid fertilizers (I start witholding nitrogen when flowers start forming). Very little in the way of pests and diseases... only problem is they give their best where they have just a few hours of early morning sun. Full sun won't kill them but will quickly make them unsightly.

Now, if only they kept mosquitoes away...

Is there another discussion about this same question with a pic of the spot in question?

purpleinopp said: Is there another discussion about this same question with a pic of the spot in question?

Yes, that's probably me.

ElPolloDiablo said: I have many Hydrangeas: all of them are rescue plants: people buy them forced around Easter and think they are dying when they start browning after a couple weeks. That's where I come in.

Generally speaking they are easy and hardy plants with one very notable exception: modern European hybrids. They are extremely difficult to keep alive. I have one I rescued last year which seems to be finally recovering but will most likely need extra recovery pruning and another year to start blooming again.

But ordinary hydrangeas are a treat. Even getting huge flowers out of them is not difficult: just keep them well watered and pump them full of liquid fertilizers (I start witholding nitrogen when flowers start forming). Very little in the way of pests and diseases... only problem is they give their best where they have just a few hours of early morning sun. Full sun won't kill them but will quickly make them unsightly.

Now, if only they kept mosquitoes away...

Thank you so much for the information. I really appreciate it!

There's no limit on the number of discussions you can have, but if you ask all of your questions about the same spot/same subject in a single discussion, it would be a more comprehensive and productive discussion with more benefit to you.