Here’s how to grow a hydrangea tree, focusing on the hydrangea part:
Growing a Hydrangea Tree: A Guide to Blooming Beauty
Hydrangeas are known for their stunning blooms in various colors, and a hydrangea tree can be a magnificent addition to your landscape. While hydrangeas are typically shrubs, with some effort, you can train them to grow as a small tree with a single trunk.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to growing a hydrangea tree:
Choosing the Right Hydrangea:
- Species: Not all hydrangeas are suitable for training as trees. Popular choices include Pee Gee Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’), Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), and some panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata cultivars).
- Climate: Consider your climate zone. Hydrangeas generally thrive in USDA zones 3-8.
Planting Your Hydrangea:
- Location: Choose a location with full sun or partial shade, ideally with morning sun and afternoon shade. Hydrangeas also prefer moist but well-drained soil.
- Planting: Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. Amend the soil with organic matter if needed. Plant the hydrangea at the same depth it was growing in the container. Water deeply after planting.
Training Your Hydrangea as a Tree:
- Pruning: In the first few years, prune away any side shoots that emerge below the point where you want the main trunk to begin. This encourages single-trunk growth.
- Staking: You may need to stake your hydrangea to provide support as it grows taller. Use a soft material to avoid damaging the trunk. Gradually raise the stake as the tree matures.
Care and Maintenance:
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