The Best Time to Plant Hydrangeas in Zone 9

Zone 9

• U.S. Department of Agriculture Growing Zone 9 reaches down the West coast of the country, across the Southwestern and Southern states, and into the Atlantic coastal states. This region features warm summers and temperate winters, with temperatures down to only 20 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter. Grow arborescens, macrophylla, panicle and oakleaf hydrangeas in this zone.

Planting Times

• Zone 9 offers gentle winter temperatures and features two planting seasons for hydrangeas. Plant the shrubs in spring, when the ground thaws and dries, for summer growth and color. Plant the shrubs in mid-fall, three to four weeks before first frost, for a longer establishment and larger first-summer growth. Hydrangeas do best with cool, moist planting times and won't thrive with mid-summer plantings in this area.

Site and Sun

• Hydrangeas are cool-weather plants and require some protection in warm zones like Zone 9. Plant the shrubs in partially shaded areas with quick drainage and plenty of room. The University of Georgia recommends morning sun and afternoon shade for hydrangeas and warns that the shrubs lose too much moisture in bright sun. Restrict full sun in Zone 9 to avoid dehydration and burning.

Soil

• Hydrangeas need generous moisture and nutrition in their soil, particularly in warm areas and thrive with soil amendments at planting. Turn 4 to 5 inches of rich organic compost into the top 10 inches of soil in the planting bed to give hydrangeas nutrition and moisture retention. Water hydrangeas with 4 to 5 inches of water every week and use organic mulch to maintain soil moisture through the hot summer.