Endless Summer hydrangeas typically like a bit of shade, particularly in the afternoon and in hot climates. The leaves can scorch in harsh afternoon sun, particularly in Zones 7-9. In cooler temperate locations of Zones 4-6, they may be sited in full sun as long as the soil is consistently moist. These plants don’t like too much heat during the summer, and the overwintering blossoms may be killed during cold winters of Zones 4-6 (leaving only the new wood to bloom).
Planting Endless Summer hydrangeas
There are a few things that make these beautiful plants so special, and one of them is deciding whether they should be in sun or shade. Sunlight can bring out their vibrant colors, but it’s important not to let them get too much—especially if you live in Zones 7-9. On the other hand, cooler climates may need more sunlight for blooming success.
Selecting a good planting location
The first step to planting Endless Summer Hydrangeas is selecting the right location. It’s important to choose a spot that receives at least four hours of direct sunlight per day and has well-draining soil. If you live in an area with hot summers, it’s best to find a spot that gets some afternoon shade for your hydrangea. You should also make sure there are no nearby trees or shrubs that could compete with your hydrangea for nutrients and water.
Preparing the soil for planting
Once you have chosen the perfect spot, it’s time to prepare the soil for planting. Start by digging a hole about twice as wide as the root ball of your hydrangea and just deep enough so that when planted, its crown will be level with ground level. Add organic matter such as compost or aged manure into the bottom of your hole before placing your plant in it and backfilling around it with native soil mixed with additional organic matter if needed. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around plants to help retain moisture levels in summer months while keeping weeds away from roots of plants during winter months when they are dormant.
Planting Endless Summer Hydrangeas is relatively easy once you have selected an appropriate location and prepared suitable soil conditions for them; however, proper care must be taken afterwards as well. During the first growing season, keep newly planted hydrangeas watered regularly until they are established (about one year). Avoid over-watering but do not let them dry out either – aim for moist but not soggy soils at all times. Each springtime before new growth begins, prune any dead branches or stems to encourage healthy blooms later on in summer months.
Ideal planting location
Partial shade is the ideal location for your Endless Summer hydrangea in most regions. The hydrangea prefers morning sun and afternoon shade, which will help it to thrive without too much heat or direct sunlight. If you have a south-facing garden, try planting your hydrangea on the north side of a tree or shrub so that it gets some protection from the hot afternoon sun. You can also use tall plants like certain ornamental grasses to create partial shade around your hydrangeas.
Full sun in cooler climates
Full sun may be suitable for an Endless Summer hydrangea in cooler climates where temperatures don’t get too hot during summer months. Make sure to monitor how much direct sunlight your plant receives throughout the day and provide extra water if needed when temperatures are high.
Lack of heat tolerance
When selecting a spot for your hydrangea, choose one with plenty of air circulation so that it doesn’t become overheated during warm days. This will help to ensure that the plant does not suffer from leaf scorch or damage to its blooms due to too much heat.
Water requirements for Endless Summer hydrangeas
Water is essential for the health and growth of your Endless Summer Hydrangea. Consistent moisture in the soil will ensure that your hydrangea blooms to its fullest potential. To keep your hydrangea hydrated, you should water it deeply once a week or more often during periods of extreme heat or drought. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain moisture in the soil and protect against weeds.
Consistent moisture is key, especially in sunny spots
Your Endless Summer Hydrangea needs consistent moisture throughout its growing season to stay healthy and produce beautiful blooms. Watering deeply once a week should be enough to keep it hydrated, but if temperatures are high or there’s been little rain, you may need to water more frequently than that. If possible, use drip irrigation or soaker hoses instead of overhead sprinklers, as they provide better coverage without wasting water on sidewalks and driveways.
Mulching to retain soil moisture in hot weather
Adding mulch around your hydrangeas helps retain moisture in the soil while also protecting against weeds which can compete with your plants for nutrients and water. Aim for about 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) thick layer of organic mulch such as shredded bark, wood chips, straw or composted leaves spread evenly over an area at least 3 feet (1 m) away from the trunk of each plant. This will help prevent evaporation from occurring too quickly after watering so that your plants get all their needed nutrients from deep within the soil rather than just on top where it could dry out faster due to windy conditions or direct sunlight exposure.
Watering problems
Signs of overwatering or underwatering include yellowish foliage with brown spots along edges, as well as stems becoming soft or squishy when touched – this means roots have taken up too much water. On the other hand, signs of underwatered plants include drooping leaves and brittle branches, which indicate a lack of sufficient hydration levels within them; these symptoms usually occur when temperatures rise above 80°F (27°C).
Fertilizing Endless Summer hydrangeas
Fertilizing your Endless Summer Hydrangea is an important part of keeping it healthy and blooming all season long. Here are some tips to help you create a fertilizing schedule that will ensure your hydrangea stays beautiful.
When to fertilize these shrubs
It’s best to fertilize your hydrangea in the early spring, just as new growth begins. You can then continue fertilizing every 6-8 weeks throughout the growing season until late summer or early fall, depending upon the product. This will give your plant enough nutrients for strong, healthy growth and plenty of flowers!
When choosing a fertilizer, look for one with a balanced ratio of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Avoid using too much nitrogen, as this can cause excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowering buds. Additionally, avoid overfertilizing; too much fertilizer can burn roots and leaves, causing damage to the plant. Instead, use small amounts regularly throughout the growing season for optimal results.
