Fun in the Sun: Best Hydrangeas to Grow in Full Sun (2024)

FAQs

Fun in the Sun: Best Hydrangeas to Grow in Full Sun? ›

Hydrangeas for Full Sun: We Like It Sunny

Most hydrangeas prefer only morning sun. Yet one type of hydrangea can soak up the sun all day: the panicle hydrangea. While they can stand the sun, these do just fine in partial shade, too. Plus, panicle hydrangeas are the hardiest hydrangeas.

Bigleaf is divided into two flower types – lacecap and mophead. Both are among the most heat-tolerant hydrangeas, although mophead prefers a bit more shade. Panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata) – Panicle hydrangea is one of the most sun tolerant hydrangeas.

Oakleaf varieties are the easiest type of hydrangeas for beginners to grow. Why are oakleaf hydrangeas so easy? They aren't picky! Oakleaf hydrangeas can tolerate colder weather, handle more sun, withstand drought, are more disease/pest resistant and grow in sandy soil better than other hydrangeas.

Endless Summer^® hydrangeas prefer morning sun and afternoon dappled shade. If they are planted in full sun, it may be too hot and intense for the blooms to produce. Also, over-watering and over-fertilizing your plants can inhibit bloom production.

So, when is the best time to plant hydrangeas? Aim for late spring, well after any danger of frost has passed, or early fall, when night temperatures usher in cooler air. If you garden in a region where the ground freezes, get plants into the ground at least six weeks prior to fall's first killing frost.

This extremely durable, long-lived plant is easy to grow. It likes full sun in cold climates, afternoon shade in warmer ones, but it does require well-drained soils that do not remain soggy for any amount of time. To prune, simply cut back by one-third its total height every spring.

Long-Lasting Blooms: Unlike other hydrangeas, Endless Summer® delivers gorgeous flowers that last all season long. Easy Care: This hardy plant is low-maintenance, making it perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners.

These hydrangeas are able to withstand temperatures as low as -30°F, making them a hardy and reliable addition even in zone 3. Some of the most popular cold hardy hydrangeas include the smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) and panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata).

Most Abundant Flowers: Limelight

This classic panicle hydrangea blooms from late summer to early fall. It produces a profusion of huge, conical, white flowers tinged with light green that slowly age to reddish pink.

What happens if you plant hydrangeas in full sun? ›

Many people think that you need a shady garden in order to grow hydrangeas. While that is true for some varieties, some hydrangeas thrive in sunny spots and even need full sun to develop into the fullest plants and the brightest blooms.

Endless Summer hydrangeas grow in Zones 4–8, making them able to thrive in more parts of the country than other hydrangea varieties. They are cold-hardy enough to withstand frost and can tolerate some heat.

If you aren't seeing those promised endless blooms, make sure you are keeping the soil moist and not wet. Fertilize once in the spring or early summer. Overwatering and over-fertilizing can decrease bloom production. Also, it may take time for new growth to appear if you pruned the hydrangea to its base.

Sun helps many varieties bloom, but full sun is rarely required. Bigleaf hydrangeas, which are the variety most people think of when they think of these popular shrubs, can take full sun in cooler areas (zones 4 to 6). But in warmer areas (zones 7 to 9), they do best with morning sun and afternoon shade.

Endless Summer^® The Original Bigleaf Hydrangea is a reblooming mophead hydrangea with classic Nantucket blue or soft pink flowers, depending on soil pH. Hardy from Zones 4-9, The Original provides season long, incredible color with its ability to bloom on last year's stems and this year's new growth.

Panicle hydrangeas are a fantastic choice for adding late-season interest to your garden. As other plants start to fade, panicle hydrangeas burst into bloom, stealing the spotlight with their showy panicles of flowers. Their long-lasting flowers persist well into the fall, extending the beauty of your garden.

Hydrangeas should not be planted in USDA hardiness zones 1 and 2 as they won't be able to tolerate the colder climate. Hydrangeas also should not be planted under trees because there will be too much root competition and lack of sun for these plants to adequately thrive.