Hydrangeas make for excellent potted plants and landscape color, with flower bunches the size of a basketball. It’s no wonder they’re very popular across the US and in Missouri.
If you’re thinking of growing hydrangeas you might be wondering when to plant hydrangeas in missouri. Also, what are the best hydrangea varieties to plant in the state?
When is the Best Time to Plant Hydrangeas in Missouri?
Hydrangeas and the state of Missouri are a great match. Hydrangeas are adaptable and can thrive in the shade. Some varieties can even grow in low-light areas, although you can’t expect them to flower profusely and grow big blooms like hydrangeas grown in partial sun.
That said, Missouri gardeners should plant hydrangeas either in early spring or during the fall season. Hydrangeas are cold-hardy to a great degree, which means they can get a head start in spreading out roots in fall and winter, then have the capacity to produce blooms in summer or fall.
Hydrangea plants need constantly moist and fertile soil that’s on the acidic side. In Missouri, hydrangeas can be placed where there’s morning sun and afternoon shade, or in full shade in warmer regions.
One thing you have to know about hydrangeas is that they require copious amounts of water, especially in late spring and throughout summer.
In some varieties, you can also choose the flower color you want by altering the soil pH. For white hydrangeas, the color may not be changed. A neutral soil brings out pink blooms, while acidic soil will turn your hydrangea blooms to blue.
It’s worth noting that you can grow hydrangeas in pots or containers in Missouri. You can bring them indoors during the winter at the added cost of needing more frequent watering.
Best Hydrangea Varieties for MO
Hills-of-Snow Hydrangea
Hydrangea arborescens, otherwise known as wild hydrangea flower on new growth, which means it can be pruned back to the desired shape and still produce lots and lots of flowers the next growing season. Hills-of-Snow adopts a rounded habit and can reach up to 5 feet tall. The flowers are white and may not be changed regardless of soil pH levels.
‘Hills of Snow’ thrives in USDA zones 3 through 9 and provides summer interest. You can group them in borders or as a focal point in your lawn or yard.
Endless Summer Hydrangea
‘Endless Summer’ is exactly like its namesake- a bigleaf variety that never fails to produce impressive clusters of flowers to brighten up your landscape. Plus, the plant’s foliage turns from bright green to red in fall, which contrasts nicely with fading blue flowers.
The plant requires plenty of watering to keep blooming, so it’s best to monitor the soil’s moisture levels constantly. ‘Endless Summer’ can be grown in zones 4 through 9 and in part shade. The hydrangea variety reaches up to 5 feet in height (or 60 inches) and a similar spread or width.
Tokyo Delight Hydrangea
‘Tokyo Delight’ is a change of pace from the usual red or blue flowers a hydrangea produces. The long-lived white flowers are wider and flatter and encircle florets that change from pink to burgundy as time passes. This hydrangea variety can reach up to 6 feet tall (or 72 inches) and can be grown in part shade, or an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Tokyo Delight’ can thrive in zones 5 to 9 and fits right in Missouri’s USDA zones 5 to 7. Make sure to fertilize and keep the soil acidic for prolific blooms.
Limelight Hydrangea
Panicle hydrangea is a deciduous shrub that sheds its leaves come fall and through winter. This makes it a cold-hardy species that are suited for Missouri weather. Once spring comes around, ‘Limelight’ starts producing flower buds that soon turn into dense clusters that range from rose to beige and even chartreuse.
‘Limelight’ can tolerate full sun but it’s best grown in partial shade. This hydrangea variety can reach up to 8 feet tall (or 96 inches) and require frequent irrigation to stay blooming throughout summer. Group the plants as you take care of them and you’ll be rewarded with flowers that will make people stop and admire the view.
Related Article: When to Plant Hydrangeas