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How to Grow Hydrangea

Reviewed by MyLocalPlanting Editorial Team Updated Sources
Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

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Plant nursery stock — skip years of growing from seed.

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Supplies You'll Need

Watering Can

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Plant Overview

Scientific Name Hydrangea macrophylla
Category shrub
Type Shrub (nursery stock)
Days to Maturity 120 days
Starting Method Nursery Stock

Growing Requirements

Sun

Part Shade (morning sun, afternoon shade)

Water

High — keep soil consistently moist

Spacing

5 ft apart

Height

3-6 ft

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Companion Planting Guide for Hydrangea

Discover which plants grow well with Hydrangea and which to keep at a distance for a healthier garden →

Seed Saving Guide

Vegetative propagation

Propagate vegetatively, not by seed

Take softwood cuttings in early summer, or layer a low branch — hydrangeas root readily and are rarely grown from seed.

Hydrangea Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

Hydrangea Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Hydrangea? +

Plant container-grown or bare-root Hydrangea in early spring, 2 weeks before your last frost date — or in early fall once summer heat breaks. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.

How long does Hydrangea take to grow? +

Hydrangea typically blooms in about 120 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Hydrangea indoors or direct sow? +

Neither — Hydrangea isn't grown from seed at home. Buy a container-grown or bare-root plant from a nursery and plant it outdoors at the right time for your local frost dates.

How much sun does Hydrangea need? +

Hydrangea requires part shade (morning sun, afternoon shade) to thrive.

How far apart should I plant Hydrangea? +

Space Hydrangea plants 60 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

How much water does Hydrangea need? +

Hydrangea has high — keep soil consistently moist water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Hydrangea? +

Hydrangea is not typically propagated by seed. Take softwood cuttings in early summer, or layer a low branch — hydrangeas root readily and are rarely grown from seed.

About Hydrangea

Show-stopping summer blooms whose color shifts with soil pH on bigleaf types (acidic soil = blue, alkaline = pink). Plant container stock in early spring or fall; bigleaf varieties bloom on old wood, so prune only right after flowering.

Expect your Hydrangea to be ready for harvest in approximately 120 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.