Hydrangeas in Florida: Don't Let the Sunshine State Dim Your Blooms (Unless That's What You Want)
Ah, hydrangeas. Those puffy, colorful clouds of blossoms that add a touch of elegance to any garden. But let's face it, Florida isn't exactly known for its chilly winters. So, can you even grow these beauties in the land of sunshine and flip-flops?
The Short Answer (and It's a Good One): Absolutely! With a little know-how, you can absolutely cultivate these stunning flowers. But just like choosing a swimsuit (one-piece or bikini? Neon or floral?), there's a perfect hydrangea variety out there for your specific Florida situation.
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Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla): The classic mophead hydrangea! Bonus: These come in a range of colors, from blue to pink (the color depends on your soil's pH – like magic!). Word to the Wise: They like their mornings sunny and their afternoons shaded, just like a good Florida siesta.
Endless Summer® BloomStruck® Hydrangea: This superstar is a reblooming variety, meaning you get more flowers for your buck (or bag of fertilizer). It's also a heat-tolerant trooper, perfect for Florida's fiery sun.
Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia): This native champion boasts stunning deep-lobed leaves that turn a fiery red in fall. Plus, it tolerates full sun better than most hydrangeas. Downside Alert: The blooms are more muted than their bigleaf cousins, but they make up for it with a longer bloom time.
Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata): This showstopper produces large, cone-shaped clusters of flowers. It's another full-sun enthusiast and requires less water than some other hydrangeas – perfect for those days when you just can't be bothered with the hose.
Remember: These are just a few of the many hydrangea varieties that can thrive in Florida. Do your research and pick the one that best suits your sun exposure, soil type, and desired flower color.
Hydrangea Help Desk: Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You Have Them)
How to plant a hydrangea in Florida?
Find a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. Amend your soil with organic matter and plant your hydrangea according to the variety's specific instructions.
How to water a hydrangea in Florida?
Water your hydrangea regularly, especially during the hot summer months. Aim for deep watering that soaks the root zone.
How to get blue hydrangeas in Florida?
For blue blooms on bigleaf hydrangeas, you'll need acidic soil. You can add things like aluminum sulfate or coffee grounds to lower the pH.
How to get pink hydrangeas in Florida?
For pink blooms on bigleaf hydrangeas, you'll need alkaline soil. You can add things like lime to raise the pH.
How to keep hydrangeas blooming in Florida?
Choose a reblooming variety like Endless Summer® BloomStruck® and deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
So there you have it! With the right variety and a little TLC, you can have hydrangeas that will be the envy of the entire neighborhood (or at least your mail carrier). Now get out there and start planting!
