Dwarf hydrangea typically grows to a height of about 2-4 feet (0. 6-1. 2 meters). They can be kept smaller with pruning and can reach up to a maximum height of 5 feet (1. 5 meters). Dwarf hydrangeas have smaller leaves and clusters of flowers, which helps to keep the height of the plant lower compared to larger hydrangeas.
This makes it an ideal choice for small gardens and areas with limited space. They thrive in shade and moist, well-draining soil and prefer cooler climates, although they can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
With proper care and maintenance, a dwarf hydrangea can last up to 8 years or more.
Are there any hydrangeas that stay small?
Yes, there are several varieties of hydrangea that stay small and are suitable for garden beds and smaller spaces. These include the ‘Little Lime’ and ‘Ruby Slippers’ Hydrangeas, which grow between 1-3 feet tall and wide.
The ‘Little Quick Fire’ and ‘Bobo’ Hydrangeas have a similar growth pattern, staying between 1 and 4 feet tall. The ‘Alice’, ‘Penny Mac’, and ‘Tuff Stuff’ Hydrangeas stay between 3 and 5 feet tall and are perfect for growing in garden beds and foundation plantings.
For the smallest of all, the ‘Mini Penny’ Hydrangea dwarfs all other hydrangeas and only grows to 1-2 feet tall. All of these varieties of hydrangeas produce beautiful flowers, along with showing attractive foliage, and they all require minimal maintenance, making them ideal choices for small spaces.
What are the dwarf hydrangeas?
Dwarf hydrangeas are a type of flowering shrub native to Asia that are known for their delicate flowers and ornamental foliage. The shrubs range in size from two to eight feet and produce white, pink, or blue globular blooms during the summer months.
Dwarf hydrangeas are popular garden plants as they require minimal care and provide long-lasting interest in the garden. They flourish in moist, well-drained acidic soils in full sun, although they tolerate partial shade and will bloom even in shady spots.
Pruning should be done after blooming, in early fall or late winter. Dwarf hydrangeas are quite hardy, able to tolerate temperatures down to minus thirty degrees Fahrenheit. Once established, these shrubs are drought tolerant and pest and disease resistant.
They also make good hedges and, when planted in large drifts, are an attractive feature in the garden.
How do I stop my hydrangeas from growing so big?
The first method is to prune them back regularly. Hydrangeas bloom on last season’s growth and their size can be kept in check with regular pruning. When the plants have reached your desired size, prune them back in the late winter.
Additionally, planting the right variety of hydrangeas for your climate and giving them adequate fertilization and water can help stop them from growing too large. Dwarf varieties, such as ‘Tuff Stuff’ and ‘Bombshell’ are also a great way to keep your hydrangeas from getting too large.
These varieties are slow-growing and can be contained in the desired size. Additionally, mulching and restricting the roots of the plants can help. A thick layer of mulch around the root zone will help improve soil quality and keep the roots from spreading too much.
Finally, you can use root barrier products that stop roots from spreading into places where you don’t want them.
What happens if you don’t prune hydrangeas?
If you don’t prune hydrangeas, they can become unruly or overgrown. Generally it is a good idea to prune the plants in late winter or early spring before growth begins to ensure you are removing dead wood and promoting healthy growth.
Overgrown hydrangeas can become tangled and weak, reducing plant vigor and flower production. Additionally, if the plant has too many branches, or is getting too large and just needs to be “tamed” and shaped, pruning can help to keep the hydrangea’s size and shape under control.
Not pruning hydrangeas can lead to plants becoming misshapen and even collapsing under the extra weight of the stems and leaves.
Should hydrangeas be deadheaded?
Yes, hydrangeas should be deadheaded. Deadheading is a horticultural process that involves removing spent or dead blooms from a plant. Deadheading hydrangeas will promote healthy growth and encourage new blooms to form.
It is especially important to deadhead hydrangeas if they are grown in a pot or container. Removing spent blooms helps keep the plant from becoming top-heavy, which can cause the root system not to get enough nutrients and water.
Deadheading also helps the plant focus its energy on promoting the growth of new foliage and blooms rather than on seed production. If you deadhead your hydrangeas, you will enjoy more vibrant flowers in your garden.
Do all hydrangeas get big?
No, not all hydrangeas get big. The size of a hydrangea depends heavily on its variety and the growing conditions. Some varieties are annuals and will remain fairly small or only grow to a few inches in height, while woody varieties may stay small due to lack of sun or poor soil.
Other varieties are known for reaching a substantial size, depending on the growing conditions. The Bigleaf Hydrangea, for example, can grow up to 8 feet in height, while Oakleaf Hydrangeas typically reach up to 4-6 feet tall.
Generally speaking, hydrangeas need a lot of sun and the right soil conditions to reach their full height potential.
Can you keep a panicle hydrangea small?
Yes, you can keep a panicle hydrangea small. Pruning is the best way to keep the size of a panicle hydrangea manageable. It is recommended to prune in the late winter or early spring before the hydrangea begins to bud out.
For the first few years, you should focus on removing old, dead, and diseased branches. After that, you should prune back any shoots that are growing outside of the desired shape to keep the size of the shrub in check.
Additionally, plants that are planted in too much shade will often fail to bloom and can become overgrown. Plant your panicle hydrangea in an area where it will receive at least 6 hours of sun for best results.
Lastly, be sure to fertilize the panicle hydrangea twice a year to promote blooms and vigorous growth. Follow these steps and you should be able to keep your panicle hydrangea looking its best!.
Do dwarf hydrangeas like full sun?
No, dwarf hydrangeas do not typically like full sun. In fact, they prefer partial sun or light shade, especially in brighter climates. They will not do well if exposed to full sun for prolonged periods, as this can scorch their foliage and inhibit bloom production.
Dwarf hydrangeas do best when their roots stay cool and moist, so planting them in a spot that gets at least some shade is typically recommended. If you’re in a very sunny area, consider planting them near taller shrubs to provide additional shade.
Can hydrangea be kept short?
Yes, it is possible to keep hydrangeas short with careful pruning. Some varieties of hydrangea, such as the ever-popular mophead and lacecap hydrangeas, can easily reach over four feet tall and can be difficult to keep short.
However, by cutting back the stems in mid-summer and again in late winter to early spring, you can control the size and shape of your hydrangeas. When pruning, use sharp pruning shears to cut back side shoots to two or three leaves and to cut back non-flowering stems down to ground level.
When cutting stems that are flowering, be careful to not remove too many blooms. With proper pruning, you can create a well shaped and shorter hydrangea plant.
Is there a dwarf variety of hydrangea?
Yes, there is a dwarf variety of hydrangea. The most popular dwarf hydrangea is known as the ‘Pia’ Hydrangea macrophylla. It is a compact plant with a rounded shape, growing to a maximum height of between 2 and 3 feet and a width of 2 to 3 feet as well.
They bloom with large clusters of white, pink or blue mophead flowers in the summertime, making it a great choice for smaller gardens or pots. They also require less pruning than other types of hydrangea.
The ‘Pia’ Hydrangea macrophylla is cold hardy to zone 5, so it is a great option for temperate climates.
What is the size of a Hydrangea paniculata?
A Hydrangea paniculata, also known as a panicled hydrangea, is a shrub that can grow to be quite large. Depending on the amount of sunlight and soil conditions, a Hydrangea paniculata can reach heights of 4.
5–5. 5 meters (15–18 feet) and widths of 3. 5–4. 5 meters (12–15 feet). The flowers of Hydrangea paniculata range in shade from white to creamy white and can vary in size depending on the variety. All types of Hydrangea paniculata have a white to creamy white flower and will grow in a range of soils with good drainage.
While they prefer a sunny or partly shaded area, they will tolerate full shade. Additionally, they bloom best in USDA plant hardiness zones 3-7.