If you’re between 45-65 years old and want to add a touch of beauty and elegance to your garden, growing a hydrangea tree is the perfect choice for you. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds! Here are some essential tips to help you get started:
Best Types of Tree Hydrangea
There are several types of tree hydrangeas to choose from. Here are some popular varieties:
- Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’: This variety produces beautiful pure white flowers and can grow up to 25 feet tall.
- Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’: With its greenish flowers, this tree hydrangea can reach a height of 6 to 8 feet.
- Hydrangea paniculata ‘Big Ben’: If you have a smaller garden, this dwarf variety is perfect, as it only grows about 3 feet tall and wide.
- Hydrangea paniculata ‘Bobo’: Known for its bicolor flower heads (pink on the bottom, white on the top), this variety grows up to 8 feet in height and width.
- Hydrangea paniculata ‘Pinky Winky’: With its unique flower clusters in deeper pink colors, this tree hydrangea can reach a maximum height and width of 8 feet.
Pruning Tips
Proper pruning is important for maintaining a healthy hydrangea tree. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Trim your tree during late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
- Thinning out the shrub to five to ten main stems will produce larger flower clusters.
- If you want your tree to have a single trunk, choose a main stem and attach it to a sturdy stake. This will help the trunk grow taller and have a more tree-like appearance.
Propagating Tree Hydrangea
If you want to grow more tree hydrangeas, you can propagate them by cuttings. Here’s how:
- Select a healthy stem that hasn’t bloomed yet and snip a 6-inch section.
- Remove the lower leaves and cut the remaining leaves in half lengthwise.
- Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in small containers filled with vermiculite, coarse sand, or a mix of both.
- Keep the soil slightly moist and cover the containers with a plastic bag or dome to retain moisture.
- Place the containers in a bright spot with indirect light and wait for about a month for the cuttings to develop roots.
How to Grow a Hydrangea Tree from Seed
Growing hydrangeas from seeds can be challenging, but if you want to give it a try, here’s what you need to do:
- Allow some flowers to develop on the plant and then harvest them and let them dry in paper bags.
- After a week, shake the bag to separate the tiny seeds from the flower heads.
- In fall, you can sow the seeds directly into the ground or start sowing indoors in early spring.
- Spread the seeds over the surface of a container filled with potting soil and keep the soil slightly moist.
- Place the container in full sun and expect the seeds to germinate within a few weeks.
Potted and Repotted Tree Hydrangeas
If you have a container-grown hydrangea, it may need to be repotted every two years. Here’s what you need to know:
- Repot your hydrangea in spring or winter.
- Choose a slightly larger container with good drainage.
- Use a mix of compost and a hydrangea-specific fertilizer as the growing medium.
- Cover the roots and stems with soil and place the container in a shaded area for a few days before gradually exposing it to more sunlight.
Tips for Optimal Growth
Here are some additional tips to ensure your hydrangea tree thrives:
- Hydrangeas prefer full sun and partial shade. In cooler climates, more sun is beneficial, while in warmer climates, partial shade works best.
- Keep the soil moist but not overly wet. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as it can cause the leaves to wilt.
- Hydrangeas prefer slightly acidic soil but can tolerate alkaline soils as long as they are well-drained and rich in organic matter.
- They can be grown in hardiness zones 3 through 8 and thrive in average humidity. Shade is recommended in warmer climates.
- Fertilize your hydrangea once in early spring and once after the flowers fade in autumn. Adding compost in summer is also beneficial for the tree’s growth.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to growing a stunning hydrangea tree that will bring joy to your garden for years to come! Happy gardening!
