Planting Hydrangeas in Wisconsin: Optimal Seasons and Suggestions for Success
Hydrangeas, with their stunning blooms and versatile nature, are a popular choice for Wisconsin gardens. Here's a guide on how to plant, care for, and propagate these beautiful plants in the Badger State.
Timing is Key
The best time to plant hydrangeas in Wisconsin is either in early spring or fall. This allows the roots to establish before the harsh winter or hot summer months [1].
Preparing the Soil
Hydrangeas thrive in well-drained, rich soil. To improve fertility and drainage, amend the soil with organic matter like compost [3]. Maintain slightly acidic to neutral pH to influence flower color. Acidic soil yields blue flowers, while alkaline soil yields pink [3].
Watering
Hydrangeas need consistent moisture, especially during the first year after planting. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week via rainfall or supplemental watering. Water deeply at the base to moisten the entire root zone, but avoid waterlogging [2][3].
Mulching
Applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (like bark or straw) around the base can help retain moisture, moderate soil temperature, and suppress weeds [3].
Pruning
The timing and method depend on the hydrangea type. For most common types in Wisconsin:
- Bigleaf (macrophylla) and oakleaf hydrangeas: Prune immediately after flowering in summer because they bloom on old wood.
- Panicle (paniculata) and smooth hydrangeas (arborescens): Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth because they bloom on new wood.
General guidance is to remove dead or damaged wood annually and to thin the center to improve air circulation, which helps prevent disease [3].
Propagation
Propagating hydrangeas allows the creation of new plants from existing ones. Softwood cuttings, taken in late spring or early summer, are the best for propagating hydrangeas via cuttings [4].
Planting in Wisconsin
Planting hydrangeas in Wisconsin is best in the early spring and fall to allow ample time for root establishment before hard freeze. Patience is key to prevent stress on the plants due to unexpected frost [5].
Adapting to Wisconsin's Climate
These care steps are adapted for Wisconsin’s climate, considering its cold winters and varying summer moisture. Hydrangeas grow fast and can fill large spaces with beautiful summer and fall color in Wisconsin gardens [1].
Special Considerations
- Hydrangeas prefer full sun to partial shade, ideally with morning sunlight and some afternoon shade.
- Hydrangeas may show iron deficiency, characterized by yellow leaves with green veins. A dose of chelated iron can help correct this issue.
- When pruning hydrangeas, use clean, sharp tools to cut at a 45-degree angle just above a set of healthy buds or a main branch.
- For pruning hydrangea macrophylla (bigleaf hydrangea), it should be done after they bloom in summer.
Glen, an experienced gardener with over 15 years of hands-on experience in garden maintenance, design, and landscaping services, has recently written posts about garden fungicides, candy cane peppers, and watermelon planting.
[1] University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension. (2021). Hydrangeas. Retrieved from https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/hydrangeas/ [2] University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension. (2021). Watering New Plants. Retrieved from https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/watering-new-plants/ [3] University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension. (2021). Pruning Hydrangeas. Retrieved from https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/pruning-hydrangeas/ [4] University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension. (2021). Propagating Hydrangeas. Retrieved from https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/propagating-hydrangeas/ [5] University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension. (2021). Planting Hydrangeas. Retrieved from https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/planting-hydrangeas/
- To enhance your home-and-garden lifestyle in Wisconsin, consider planting hydrangeas in the early spring or fall, as they need ample time for root establishment before harsh winter or hot summer months.
- After planting hydrangeas, focus on maintaining their lifestyle by providing them with well-drained, rich soil and consistent moisture, especially during the first year.
