What Do Hydrangea Bushes Need?

Light

• The bigleaf, oakleaf, panicle and Pegee hydrangeas are among the plants that can handle full sun or partial shade. The panicle hydrangea Limelight appreciates afternoon shade in hot climates but can grow in full sun. The smooth hydrangea must get some shade during the day.

Zones

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones suitable for hydrangeas vary by plant. The smooth hydrangea works in zones 3 to 9, while oakleaf hydrangeas are a fit for zones 5 to 9. The bigleaf succeeds in zones 6 to 9. The Pegee and Limelight panicle hydraneas need to be in zones 3 to 8.

Moisture and Soil

• The bigleaf and Pegee hydrangea likes moist, well-drained soil; however, the Pegee also does well in clay. The smooth hydrangea likes soil with moderate moisture and cannot tolerate drought. The oakleaf hydrangea prefers moderately moist soil and enjoys mulch in the summer to help it hold on to water. The Limelight panicle hydrangea likes organically rich, well-drained soil with medium moisture.

Other Factors

• You may need to use stakes to support hydrangea stems when their flowerheads become heavy, especially after periods of rain. The Missouri Botanical Garden calls the panicle hydrangea Limelight one of the most winter-hardy varieties and says it thrives in urban conditions. When caring for the oakleaf hydrangea, prune off weak and damaged stems in early spring. If you grow this plant in zone 5, use mulch or burlap to protect it from winter weather, and plant it in a sheltered location. Consumer horticulturist Erv Evans of NC State University labels the Pegee hydrangea a drought-tolerant, tough and dependable plant that can handle heavy pruning. He notes the plant is easily damaged by wind, however. Since the smooth hydrangea blooms on new wood, pruning it near to the ground in late winter can encourage strong growth and the best shape.