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Are you ready to add hydrangea bushes to your yard? When to plant them is one of the first things you’ll need to decide.
Can you plant hydrangeas in the fall? You can. A lot of people say you can plant hydrangeas in either fall or spring, but we think fall is better. Read on to find out why.
Do you think of the bigleaf hydrangea when someone talks about hydrangeas? Its snowball-shaped flowers (Hydrangea macrophylla) are so beautiful that it is one of the most popular types of hydrangea. Depending on how you change the soil, the flowers can turn from blue to pink.
But bigleafs are only one of many varieties of hydrangea. And, when you count up the cultivars, there are literally hundreds of choices. If you need something drought-tolerant, consider the oakleaf. It also provides a fiery autumn display. Panicle hydrangeas, like the popular PeeGee, have flowers in cone-shaped clusters and thinner leaves.
Try a native hydrangea, like the heart-shaped smooth hydrangea. Its cultivar name, “Grandiflora,” is one of the most common types.
All hydrangeas are relatively low maintenance, so pick your favorites. Just make sure you buy a plant that will do well in the area where you want to put it. Once you’ve confirmed that, your mind will turn to planting.
Hydrangeas are popular flowering shrubs prized for their large, colorful blooms Their versatility also makes them a top choice for many gardens With proper care, hydrangeas can thrive in containers, flower beds, borders, and foundation plantings.
If you’re considering adding hydrangeas to your outdoor space you may be wondering—can I plant hydrangeas in the fall? The short answer is yes, fall is an excellent time to plant these beautiful shrubs.
Why Fall is Ideal for Planting Hydrangeas
Fall offers prime conditions for getting new hydrangea plants off to a strong start. Here are some key reasons why autumn is ideal:
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Cooler temperatures – Hydrangeas prefer cooler weather when establishing new roots High summer heat can stress newly planted shrubs. By fall, temperatures have moderated, creating an easier transition
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Increased moisture – Fall and early winter often bring more precipitation. This gives transplants the steady moisture they need to initiate healthy root growth before going dormant.
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Time to settle in – Planting in fall gives shrubs several months to anchor themselves before flowering begins in spring and summer. This lead time allows roots to grow deeper and stronger.
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Avoidance of frost damage – Planting too early in spring runs the risk of exposing tender new growth to late frosts. Fall’s cooler temperatures prevent premature budding that could be damaged by a sudden cold snap.
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Earlier blooms – Hydrangeas planted in fall generally flower earlier the following year since their root systems are more mature at the start of the growing season.
When to Plant Hydrangeas in Fall
Aim to plant your hydrangeas in early fall, generally 4-6 weeks before your average first frost date. This gives them sufficient time to establish roots before going dormant for winter.
If planting later in the fall, mulch the shrubs well to insulate roots and protect them from hard freezes. Wait until the ground has cooled to plant very late in the season.
Best Times of Day to Plant
Plant your hydrangeas during the coolest times of day – early morning and late afternoon. Avoid the heat of midday, when newly dug holes and transplants are most prone to drying out.
Carefully water in transplants after planting and continue watering until the ground freezes.
Preparing to Plant Hydrangeas in Fall
Proper planning and site preparation are key to success when planting hydrangeas in fall:
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Select a site with the appropriate sun exposure, drainage, and space for mature plant size. Most hydrangeas thrive best in morning sun and afternoon shade.
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Prepare the soil by mixing in compost or other organic material to enrich nutrition and drainage. Dig out a planting hole 2-3 times the width of the root ball.
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Find plants suited to your USDA hardiness zone to ensure winter survival. Choose named cultivars from reputable growers over unnamed plants.
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Water thoroughly a day or two before digging plants to make removal easier. Carefully dig up the entire root ball and replant at the same depth.
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Mulch around transplants with 2-4 inches of shredded bark, leaves, or other organic material to conserve moisture and insulate roots through winter dormancy.
Caring for Fall-Planted Hydrangeas
Give your new hydrangea shrubs attentive care through their first seasons:
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Water deeply once a week until ground freeze to encourage extensive root growth.
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Stake tall, floppy stems to prevent wind damage over winter.
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Prune any dead branches in early spring. Leave most pruning until after flowering finishes.
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Apply mulch around the base each spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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Water plants consistently, especially during summer dry spells.
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Add aluminum sulfate to adjust soil pH if trying to achieve blue flowers.
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Protect blossoms from frost damage in spring if cold snaps threaten.
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Watch for common pests like aphids, spider mites, and coneworms.
Fall Hydrangea Planting Tips
Follow these tips for the best results when planting hydrangeas in the fall:
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Select a site with the proper sun exposure, drainage, and spacing.
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Prepare soil thoroughly by mixing in ample organic matter.
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Choose cultivars suited to your planting zone and site conditions.
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Water transplants frequently until the ground freezes for strong root establishment.
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Add mulch around plants to conserve moisture and protect roots from hard freezes.
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Water deeply once a week until the ground freezes for optimal root growth.
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Stake tall stems prone to wind damage to avoid breakage over winter.
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Prune out any dead branches and wait to prune extensively until after flowering.
Enjoy Gorgeous Hydrangeas Planted in Fall
By planting your hydrangeas in the fall, you can look forward to earlier and more prolific blooms in the seasons to follow. Pay close attention to watering and care during establishment for the highest success rate. With the proper site conditions and appropriate cultivars, fall-planted hydrangeas will thrive and delight for years to come.
Best Time to Plant a Hydrangea
Many experts suggest that the best time to plant a hydrangea is in the fall. Spring and fall are often given as choices because the weather is mild during these times, which is good for plants that are trying to grow roots. But planting hydrangeas in fall has the edge.
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Since garden hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs, they will not produce leaves or flowers in winter. Rather, they will go into dormancy and drop their leaves before winter. To put it another way, a hydrangea planted in the fall has a lot of time to build strong roots. In addition, autumn weather tends to include regular rainfall which also helps the transplanted shrubs.
How to Plant Hydrangeas in the Fall Season : Grow Guru
FAQ
Is it okay to plant hydrangeas in October?
Where should you not plant hydrangeas in the fall?
Can I plant hydrangeas in September?
What is the best time to plant hydrangeas?
Should you plant Hydrangeas in the fall?
When planting your hydrangea in the fall, it’s important not to encourage too much growth before the first frost. Promoting growth too late in the season will make the plant more susceptible to damage from fluctuating fall temperatures. This is quite the opposite in the spring when new growth is encouraged to bloom during its peak growing season.
When is the best time to plant a hydrangea?
Once you’ve confirmed that, your mind will turn to planting. Many experts suggest that the best time to plant a hydrangea is in the fall. Both spring and fall are usually given as options, since these shoulder seasons generally offer mild weather that works well for plants trying to establish root systems.
Do hydrangeas bloom in the fall?
The final common mistake gardeners make in the fall with their hydrangeas is to fertilize them. And although it probably sounds like fertilizing should be a good thing for the plant – it can actually cause it not to bloom at all when done in the fall. For starters, hydrangeas do not require a massive amount of nutrients to bloom.
Can hydrangeas be planted in winter?
Some types of hydrangeas, like bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) or mountain hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata), are more susceptible to severe winter damage and are better suited for planting in the spring or summer, so it’s a good idea to leave them off of your fall planting schedule.
Do hydrangeas need fall care?
As the days grow shorter and the crispness of autumn settles in, it’s easy to put gardening on the back burner. But if you have hydrangeas, now is the time to show them a little extra love. Fall care is crucial for these beautiful shrubs, setting the stage for vibrant blooms come spring.
Should hydrangeas be pruned in the fall?
Listen In To Our Podcast Below! Although you shouldn’t prune your hydrangeas in the fall, you should cut back the old blooms before winter arrives. Allowing the blooms and old bloom stems to remain drains energy from the plant. In addition, it also puts it at risk of winter snow and ice damage.