The hydrangea is one of the most beautiful and easy-care flowering shrubs and is therefore one of the most popular garden plants. In most care instructions you can read that the hydrangea prefers a shady or semi-shady place. But the hydrangea can also develop magnificently in a sunny location.
Some hydrangea species also tolerate full sun without any problems
Which hydrangeas tolerate sun?
As a rule of thumb, the darker the color of the hydrangea's flowers, the better the plant can cope with full sun.
Tolerate full sun:
- Oak-Leaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
- Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)
If you have the possibility to shade the hydrangea during the hot midday hours, you can also use one
- Velvet Hydrangea (Hydrangea aspera)
- Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris)
- Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)
plant. The location should be protected from the wind so that the beautiful flower balls do not suffer.
Farmer's and forest hydrangeas do not do well in a sunny location. Such a place is not recommended for the white and light-colored species in particular. The attractive blooms would burn in the blazing sun and turn an unsightly brown.
Care tips for full sun
If the hydrangea is in full sun, you should protect the soil from excessive evaporation. Mulch the soil around the hydrangea with grass clippings or bark mulch about three to four inches thick.
If the plant lets the umbels and leaves hang on hot days, this is a self-protection against excessive water loss. Before the plants wither, it is advisable to shade the hydrangea or cover it with a white bed sheet. It stays pleasantly cool under the sheet, as the coloring deflects the sun's rays.
tips and tricks
The thirsty hydrangea needs a lot of water in full sun. Therefore, water the plant twice a day on hot days. Large hydrangea bushes can easily need up to 50 liters of water a day in hot weather.