Rhododendrons and hydrangeas are completely unrelated plants with very different appearances, but they do share some traits in the growing conditions they prefer. For instance, they both prefer acidic soil and a good mix of sun and shade.
What is the difference between a rhododendron and azalea?
Rhododendrons produce large, bell-shaped flowers in clusters whilst azaleas blooms are smaller and either tubular or funnel-shaped. Both mainly flower in spring but with a growing range of summer flowering varieties now on offer, with “encore azaleas” blooming in early spring then again in the summer.
Are rhododendrons high maintenance?
All rhododendrons are easy to maintain. They need little or no pruning to keep them in bounds if you have made a choice according to your space constraints. Plants have a naturally informal and spreading habit and can be encouraged to spread even more by a little finger pruning.
Where should you not plant hydrangeas?
No hydrangea will do well in HEAVY shade, such as under a shade tree. The blooms will be sparse and will not develop fully. If your landscape is mostly sunny (and hot), you may wish to grow the PeeGee (paniculata) hydrangea, which thrives in all day sun as long as it receives adequate moisture.
Are hydrangea and rhododendron related? – Related Questions
What month is best to plant hydrangeas?
This timing will vary by region. For instance, in areas with winter freezing and snow, hydrangeas should be planted in early spring or early fall (as soon as summer heat breaks). In warmer regions with mild winters, the window for planting hydrangeas is longer, from fall all the way through to early spring.
What does baking soda do for hydrangeas?
How far away from the house should you plant hydrangeas?
Most of the varieties in Endless Summer will reach 3-4′ wide at maturity. I would give them at last two feet away from the foundation. Or even a little more if you don’t want them touching the house. Summer Crush is the most compact, so you can plant that one a little closer.
Which side of house to plant hydrangea?
The best place to plant hydrangeas is in a sheltered location with sunny mornings and shady afternoons. You often find this on the north or south side of your home. Avoid planting directly underneath trees, which can lead to competition for water and nutrients.
Why do you plant hydrangeas on the north side of the house?
Hydrangeas generally need some sun and like some shade. In the South, nurseries grow them under pines or shade houses to filter sunlight. “For most hydrangeas, the farther north they are, the more sun they can stand,” says horticulturist Michael Dirr.
Can you plant hydrangeas next to a house?
remain a popular addition to any home garden or landscape. Well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9, a hydrangea in front-of-house facades, along the front porch or as borders to flower beds brings a wealth of color from spring through fall in much of the country.
Are hydrangeas low-maintenance?
Hydrangeas are shrubs that come in a variety of types and a range of striking colors. They are relatively low-maintenance, flourish in shade or sun, and add elegance to any garden.
How long does it take for a hydrangea to grow full size?
Though they are fast growing shrubs, it can take 2-4 years for hydrangeas to reach their full size. Some are faster to mature than others. Growing hydrangeas is simple, and they can thrive in just about any climate.
What is the easiest hydrangea to grow?
Oakleaf varieties are the easiest type of hydrangeas for beginners to grow. Why are oakleaf hydrangeas so easy? They aren’t picky! Oakleaf hydrangeas can tolerate colder weather, handle more sun, withstand drought, are more disease/pest resistant and grow in sandy soil better than other hydrangeas.
Should you deadhead hydrangeas?
You should deadhead throughout the blooming season to keep your hydrangeas looking their beast and encourage new flower growth. However, stop deadheading hydrangea shrubs in mid to late fall, leaving any spent blooms in place.
How fast do rhododendrons grow?
Some Rhododendrons will experience a fast growth rate (2 ft.per or 60 cm) while others will slowly grow less than 0.5 in. per year (1cm). If you choose plants that are the right size, to begin with, they are relatively maintenance-free.
Are rhododendrons low maintenance?
Rhododendron care is simple since this flowering shrub is virtually maintenance-free. Follow these easy steps to keep your shrubs flowering year after year. The stunning and stately rhododendron plant — native to Asia — is a popular and much-loved landscaping element in New England.
How far away from a house should you plant a rhododendron?
Medium shrubs like Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Spirea, Holly and Boxwood go 2.5-3′ from the side of the house.
What time of year is best to plant rhododendrons?
Plant in spring or early fall. Space plants 2 to 6 feet apart, depending on their estimated mature size. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and 2 times as wide. Set new plants so that their top roots are at soil level or slightly below.
What is the problem with rhododendrons?
These include fungal leaf spots, leaf and flower gall, root rot, oedema, leaf flooding, winter injury, and chlorosis.
