Hydrangeas are one of the most popular flowering shrubs—and for good reason. They can thrive in a lot of different growing conditions, including in containers. But if you want to grow a hydrangea in a planter, you will need to make a few adjustments to the common care suggestions to help ensure that they grow and bloom. With these expert tips, you’ll have a gorgeous potted hydrangea to flank your front entrance or brighten up your patio.
- Megan McConnell, horticulturist and plant information director at Monrovia
Do Hydrangeas Do Well in Containers?
Absolutely! “Hydrangeas are an excellent choice for containers!” says Megan McConnell, horticulturist and plant information director at Monrovia. “The key is to choose the right variety.”
One fun benefit of a container-grown hydrangea? It’s easier for you to change the color of the flowers. “Growing in a container can sometimes make that color change easier,” McConnell says. “Soil additives needed for the color change are literally contained.”
How to Choose the Right Hydrangea for Your Container
Not all hydrangeas will do well in pots. McConnell suggests choosing compact versions of hydrangeas that end up being about three to four feet tall when fully grown. “Macrophylla, paniculata, or even arborescens create beautiful, colorful container displays. As long as you’re choosing a compact variety, you’ll have success in containers.”
Caring for Hydrangea Plants in Containers
Hydrangea plants can do just as well in the ground as in containers, with just a few tweaks to their care. Here’s what experts suggest to help ensure that your potted hydrangeas thrive.
Give your hydrangea room in the container
You want to choose a container that gives your hydrangea roots room to grow. A planter that’s about three to four inches larger than the current rootball will be a good choice, McConnell says.
Make sure the container has drainage
Hydrangea plants require well-drained soil—so leaving the water without a route to escape is a quick way to ensure root rot and a dying hydrangea.
Feed your hydrangea when you plant it
“Adding a slow-release fertilizer when you plant the hydrangea should be all you need to keep it well fed through the season,” McConnell says. But don’t go overboard with your fertilizing. “More is not always better.”
Water your hydrangea frequently
“Container gardens tend to dry out faster than landscape areas,” McConnell says. “Be sure you’re keeping your container evenly moist.” On dry summer days, check the plant’s soil at least once per day, and water it if it feels dry. (On the hottest days, you may need to give it a drink twice a day.)
Consider giving your plant a change in scenery
Hydrangea plants often need a mix of sun and shade—and it’s easier to give them the ideal light situation if they’re in a container. “One of the great things about planting hydrangea in a container is that you can put the plant in exactly the right location,” McConnell says. “Hydrangea macrophylla typically like morning sun and afternoon shade, while hydrangea paniculata can take full sun.” During the heat of summer, you can ensure that your plant gets more shade—while you can put your plant in the sunshine during cooler times of year to ensure it gets enough sunshine.
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