How to Care for Shade Hydrangeas in Middle Tennessee

Hydrangeas are many gardeners' favorite! There are many different types of hydrangeas, and it can be confusing to know when to prune each variety or how to care for each one. We're taking the guesswork out of caring for them today in this blog post. For further information, be sure to ask us on Instagram, Facebook, or at the garden center!

How do I know if my hydrangea is for shade or sun?

Shade hydrangeas are known as Hydrangea macrophylla, Hydrangea serrata (a mountain hydrangea that doesn't perform as well in our heat), or Hydrangea quercifolia. Hydrangea arborescens is a smooth hydrangea that can tolerate a little more sunlight, but still prefers good afternoon shade in our hot Middle Tennessee climate.

• Popular varieties of shade hydrangeas that thrive in our area include:

  • Hydrangea macrophylla (bigleaf and mophead): 'Endless Summer' series, 'Nikko Blue', 'Eclipse'

  • Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf-shaped leaf): 'Snow Queen', 'Alice', 'Pee Wee'

  • Hydrangea arborescens (smooth hydrangea): 'Annabelle', 'Incrediball'

    
    

• Sun hydrangeas are known as Hydrangea paniculata. These varieties typically feature large, conical-shaped blooms, including 'Limelight Prime', 'Little Lime', and 'Vanilla Strawberry'.

When to prune shade hydrangeas (if they need it)

• Hydrangea macrophylla (bigleaf and mophead): after flowering (late summer); blooms on old growth

• Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf): after flowering (late summer); blooms on old growth

• Hydrangea arborescens (smooth): late winter/ early spring before new growth; blooms on new growth

  
  

Important: If you want to prune any variety of hydrangea that blooms on old growth (Hydrangea macrophylla or quercifolia), it must be pruned right after it finishes blooming, typically late July to mid-August. Do not prune these types in September or later, or you will be cutting off the blooms that are forming inside the stems for next year. If you plan to prune yours, go ahead and mark late July/ early August on your calendar so you remember the correct time to prune them.

Where to plant

Plant in well-draining, fertile soil in a shady location. These varieties love morning sun with full afternoon shade, or dappled shade all day long. Do not plant them in full afternoon sunlight, or it will cause them to wilt and not flower their best.

Water and fertilizing

Hydrangeas, like their name suggests, love water. They need consistent watering, especially the first year they are planted. Fertilize your hydrangeas once in early spring, and again in early summer. We can recommend excellent fertilizers for them at the nursery. One of our favorites for hydrangeas is Espoma's Hollytone.

It is essential not to fertilize after August, as hydrangeas will begin to go dormant soon after that point.

Hydrangeas benefit from a fresh layer of mulch- it helps keep the plants cooler in summer (locks in moisture) and warmer in winter by acting as an insulator.

The pH of the soil

For macrophylla and serrata varieties, the pH of the soil will typically change the color from blue to pink (or purple if between pH levels). To change the color of your bloom, you will add acidity to the soil to produce blue flowers. Espoma's Hollytone, as well as their Soil Acidifier, help increase the acidity to the soil to achieve this. We are happy to show you their products at the nursery.

Quercifolia, arborescens, paniculata, and climbing hydrangeas are generally the color that they are, no matter the pH level.

---

We have a large selection of hydrangeas regularly at the nursery! Call us at 615.468.2008, and we will be happy to let you know what varieties we have in stock at that time. We're happy to answer any other questions.