Caring for hydrangeas in pots is simple and a great way to add stunning colour and structure to a patio or deck. And they complement all types of garden styles – from cottage gardens to modern plots.
If you're already up to speed on how to grow hydrangeas, you'll know that these plants thrive in organically rich soil that doesn't dry out in summer. For this reason, they are generally happiest planted directly into the ground, as containers can dry out much quicker.
However, that doesn't mean to say you can't still create a beautiful container display with these blooms. You just need to ensure that you give them the right care, pick your compost carefully, and position them in the right place. Some varieties are more suitable for these conditions too. Our guide explains all you need to know about caring for hydrangeas in pots.
Where should you position a potted hydrangea in your garden?
Whether you're growing hydrangeas in pots or planting them straight into the ground as part of your garden landscaping ideas, they do best in dappled shade. For that reason, avoid placing your potted hydrangea in a south-facing position that gets lots of sun all day.
If you don't have these conditions in your garden, try to place your potted hydrangea somewhere that gets sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon – this will help prevent the soil from drying out.
The beauty of growing a hydrangea in a pot, however, is that it's easy to move it a different spot in your garden. If it's not thriving in its current position, look for a shadier spot elsewhere on your patio or garden path.
What compost should you use when caring for hydrangeas in pots?
"The best potting compost for shrubby plants is one with a high proportion of loam, such as John Innes No.3," says prominent garden expert John Negus, a regular writer for Amateur Gardening.
For hydrangeas, the RHS recommends using a mix of two parts of John Innes No.3 (available at Amazon) and one-part peat-free multipurpose compost. Alternatively, if you are growing blue hydrangeas and want to keep their colour vibrant, use an ericaceous compost, such as this John Innes ericaceous compost from Amazon.
However, "even the best multi-purpose composts only have enough nutrients for four–six weeks of growth, and once this is exhausted, plants will need supplementary feeding, either with a liquid or by top-dressing with controlled-release fertiliser," says John. Feed with a liquid from early summer until the end of flowering or top-dress in early summer.
"Loam-based composts hold on to moisture better than peat-based ones," continues John. "But, all potted plants need watering regularly, unless it rains a lot every day, as their roots are constrained and their compost is covered by foliage."
Tailored for hydrangeas, this liquid feed can be used for plants in pots and in the ground. Mix with water in a watering can and apply around the base of the plant to encourage leafy growth and bigger blooms. Makes up to 50 watering cans.
How do you repot a hydrangea?
To keep them healthy, hydrangeas will need repotting when they outgrow their pot. This tends to be every one or two years.
To do so, carefully remove yours from its existing container in autumn, once it has finished flowering. Choose a new garden planter that is around an inch or so wider in diameter than the old container, ensuring it has drainage holes, and plant it at the same depth as previously.
Do you need to prune a potted hydrangea?
Pruning hydrangeas is important to keep them flowering well. This is the case wherever they are planted – pots included.
It's generally best to approach this garden job in spring. The correct method varies according to which species of hydrangea you have.
"For the popular mopheads and lacecaps, the flowering shoots grow from wood produced during the previous season, and it is important that this is not removed," says John Negus. "In mid-spring remove the dead flower heads, cutting back to the nearest pair of large, healthy buds."
What are the best types of hydrangea to grow in pots?
Whether you're looking to add potted hydrangeas to a cottage garden patio or want to introduce more blooms to a front garden, there are many compact varieties that are suited to growing in containers.
The RHS recommends Hydrangea macrophylla 'Red Hot Violet' – which has bold deep-pink blooms – and 'Altona' (available from Crocus). Hydrangea macrophylla 'Fireworks', meanwhile, is a pretty lacecap variety with white, star-shaped florets, that also does well in pots.
Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Lime' (available from Dobies) is another lovely choice when growing hydrangeas in pots. It's a smaller version of the popular 'Limelight' that's perfect for small gardens.
Can you plant a potted hydrangea out into a border?
It's simple to plant your hydrangea into a flower bed or border if you decide to switch up the display.
Plant it somewhere where the soil is rich, fertile, free-draining, and easy to work, says John. "If possible, choose a lightly shaded spot where the soil stays moist in summer. Ideally, before planting, work in moisture-retentive well-rotted garden compost or old, crumbly manure.
"After tapping the root ball from its pot, tease out matted and encircling roots and set the plant in a hole three times the width of the root ball."
Water copiously after planting and for several weeks thereafter to help the plant re-establish well. Then, monthly, from mid-spring to early autumn, sprinkle the root area with fish, blood and bone meal (such as this Vitax Blood, Fish & Bone organic fertiliser from Amazon) and gently work it into the soil. Water it in if the ground is dry.
Should you protect potted hydrangeas in winter?
In winter, keep your potted hydrangeas in a sheltered part of the garden and drape them with fleece if sub-zero temperatures are forecast, advises John Negus. Remove fleece when the temperature rises. It is also a good idea to leave the old flower heads on over winter to protect the buds underneath.
"In mid-spring, move them away from the shelter and into the wider garden," he continues. When the soil temperature begins to rise, feed them with a balanced fertiliser.
Growing hydrangeas in pots is a brilliant way to introduce more flowers to your garden, especially as they will provide a long period of blooms from summer through to autumn. They don't require masses of attention, either, so are a good option if you're a fan of low-maintenance gardens.
Just remember to keep an eye on your potted hydrangeas and ensure they are well-watered, especially in their first year and during hot weather, to ensure the soil doesn't dry out too quickly.
The original version of this article previously appeared on Gardeningetc, a sister website to Homebuilding & Renovating.
