In most cases, the location simply depends on the type of plant and all of its varieties correspond to this. However, this is not the case with the hydrangea. Whether hydrangeas can tolerate sun or shade actually depends on the variety. That's why you should first consider what spaces you have to offer in your garden and choose the right hydrangea variety accordingly. We summarize which variety you should provide which location for hydrangeas in the garden.
General facts about the right place
There are varieties that can stand in the sun as well as those for partial or denser shade. However, what they all have in common is that they cannot tolerate drafts and strong winds. For this reason, the location for hydrangeas in the garden should always be as sheltered from the wind as possible (this is especially true for the more frost-sensitive varieties), because the winds get very cold, especially in winter, and they also cause the soil to dry out more quickly. The east side of the house is mostly characterized by such features. But if you only have a free space for the hydrangea bush there, you can protect it with the help of other trees and also plant it on a wall or wall.
Some varieties are slightly less sensitive to winds. This includesthe panicle hydrangeaand the viburnum hydrangea, especially the “Annabelle” variety.
More about Annabellefind out here.
If the soil is also rich in humus, the plants are supplied with moisture for longer periods - even in hotter summer phases.
Which hydrangea tolerates sun?
A very sunny location is a challenge for many plants and even unthinkable for others. Some hydrangea varieties can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight, as long as it is not hot midday. It is therefore better to avoid a southern location. Opt for the west side instead. If the location is on a house wall, the shrub is also protected from the wind. Which hydrangeas like a sunny location in the garden?
- Farm hydrangeas are quite happy with their location in the sun. Another name for this variety is “garden hydrangea”.
- The oakleaf hydrangea can tolerate a few hours of full sun, but not at midday.
- Panicle hydrangeas are suitable sun hydrangeas.
- The snowball hydrangea is very flexible and can be placed in full sun (on the west side) if necessary.
Location for hydrangeas in the garden – partial shade
A partially shaded location that is also protected from the wind is a paradise for the hydrangea bush and comes closest to its natural environment. Since they grow under shady trees, you can also look for such a place in your garden. It is important that the tree selected does not have a very invasive root system (pine, dogwood and maple, for example) that could displace those of the outdoor hydrangea.
This location for hydrangeas in the garden is suitable for all types of hydrangeas because it offers just the right amount of everything the shrubs need: not too little light, thanks to the sufficient hours/rays of sunshine, not too strong sunlight thanks to the shady properties the location and, if you have also considered wind protection, pleasant temperatures for the above-ground parts of the plant. Perfect for a beautiful hydrangea bed!
- Farm hydrangeas are among the most popular varieties and prefer partial shade.
- The oak leaf hydrangea, like the other hydrangea varieties, loves light shade under trees.
- Panicle hydrangea likes a location in the shade, but can also thrive in the sun on a west side.
- Snowball hydrangeas are relatively hardy and thrive in a variety of locations.
A shady place – is that possible?
Probably the most unfavorable place you could offer the flowering shrub next to the one in the midday sun is full shade. In order for the plant to produce really beautiful and lush flowers, a few hours of sunshine a day is definitely necessary. As is so often the case, exceptions prove the rule and so you can also choose the viburnum hydrangea for a location in the shade if you only have deep shade available. But it would be quite good if the plant at least got a little sunlight at sunset, when the sun is a little lower. All other varieties would most likely be able to grow under these conditions, but it would be questionable whether flowers would be formed at all.
Some people prefer to care for their hydrangeas in a pot, which is certainly possible with compact varieties such as ball hydrangeas or panicle hydrangeas. The rules are the same in this case: Partial shade and wind protection is best, which can be in the middle of the garden under a tree or tall bush, but also on the terrace or balcony. Potted hydrangeas should not be placed in a sunny location, as the limited space means the soil dries out more quickly.
You can find out how to cut hydrangeas correctly depending on the varietyread here.
