Clay dirt can be the enemy of the gardener . It ’s laborious to work with , stunts roots and hold too much body of water . hydrangea love water , but do they wish stiff soil ? Luckily , we ’ve done plenty of research and have the answer here for you . Let ’s discuss .

While not every variety of hydrangea thrives in clay dirt , you’re able to still get them to grow there . Generally , hydrangeas are relatively tolerant and not too picky about soil . find fault one of the subtypes that do well in clay , or be certain to prepare the grime well first to encourage drainage .

In this article , we ’ll cover the best kind of soil for hydrangeas . We ’ll show you how to gear up clay soil so that your flowers can still do well . We ’ll also give you a few types of hydrangea that do great in Lucius DuBignon Clay . With that said , let ’s dive right into this subject !

Pink, blue, lilac, violet, purple Hydrangea flower (Hydrangea macrophylla) blooming in spring and summer in a garden, Do Hydrangeas Like Clay Soil? [And How To Grow Them]

What Type Of Soil Do Hydrangeas Like?

Most hydrangea favor well - drained , productive grime . you could amend the grunge with compost and other nutrients if require .

Hydrangeas also prefer partial Lord’s Day . As a rule , full morning time sun is best . louche good afternoon sun should come after , as the shadiness helps protect the plant during the hot , mid - day period .

Some varieties are specially sensible . They can droop if there ’s too much verbatim sunlight . Other type are more liberal . These can handle the heating system and sun with a bit more ease .

Flowers and green leaves of hortensia covered with hoarfrost.

How Do You Grow Hydrangeas In Clay Soil?

Like dissimilar hydrangea have different sunshine needs , they can also have different grunge needs . For the most part , hydrangeas want well - drained soil . But some type can deal with a bit denser stiff grease .

you’re able to help even the more particular plants still boom with a bit of effort . Some peak for success include :

What Do I Add To Soil When Planting Hydrangeas?

you could alsoamendthe soil for proficient solvent . Add constituent matter like leaves or compost to the ground where you require to plant . ferment it in well . This will help correct the amount of water supply that the grime hold .

lend a level of mulch is also helpful for this intent . In addition to protecting the dirt , it will decompose and contribute organic matter to the earth .

What Kind Of Hydrangeas Can I Grow In Clay Soil?

Not all hydrangeas are the same , and some subtypes are just better suited to grow in clay soil . If you ’re still picking out your flower , consider these variants :

Smooth Hydrangeas

These hydrangeas spring up aboriginal to the United States . They tolerate high temperature better than many others . However , they can thrive in both hot and stale climates .

Annabelle hydrangea is one well - live variety that is specially cold tolerant . It can hold out as far north as zone three . However , most smooth hydrangeas are for climates 4 - 7 .

Climbing Hydrangeas

These grow in zones 4 - 8 . They ’re easy to name , as they ’re the only climber in the hydrangea kinfolk .

They can grow in Henry Clay grime and prefer a north - present paries to support themselves . Make it a big one , as they can grow 30 feet or higher .

What Color Will Hydrangeas Be In Clay Soil?

Not all hydrangea transfer colors . Many mass have heard of hydrangea exchange color based on the soil . But this is specifically only true of a few varieties , the main being Bigleaf hydrangea .

However , for those Bigleaf character , it is in reply to the soil ’s pH level . It ’s also worth pointing out that this is n’t an instant variety . Even when you add to the filth , it can take months before the flower change colour . In some display case , it may not go on til new bloom form next time of year .

When the stain has a pH above 7.0 , the flower tend to grow pink . The flowers are blue for more acidic grunge , where the pH is less . in general , a pH of around 5.0 is ideal for blue flowers .

heelbarrow standing on a neat manicured green lawn alongside a flowerbed while planting a celosia flower garden around a house with fresh spring plants

blank hydrangea prime do not deepen people of color because of pH level . Some do become , for example move from a light green to white or snowy to pink . However , this change comes with time and age . The acidity of the grunge has nothing to do with it .

remains soil can be acidic or alkaline , meaning that you might get gentle or pink flowers . Most clay soil tends to be alkaline .   However , some clay soil is acidic , such as red cadaver . After all , clay line the texture of the primer coat .

The only way to know is to prove the soil . And keep in mind that if you amend your soil before planting , this can also change the pH level . For example , peat moss lower the pH of the reason around it , making it more acidic .

A Clustered ‘Annabelle’ Hydrangea Flowering Shrub.

How To Change The pH Of Soil

To make your soil less acidic , you canaddlime . Ground limestone is a common choice . Wood ash can also have a similar effect .

Conversely , you may want to make your land more acidic . To lower the pH and increase sourness , regard using sphagnum peat moss . Mix it into the top layer of grime .

Hydrangeas turn downhearted inresponseto atomic number 13 sulphate that they absorb from the ground . Naturally , tally aluminum sulphate to the ground can be a gravid option . you’re able to mix two cups of sulfate with five Imperial gallon of water . Then , splosh it around the flora dripline .

Climbing hydrangea

Some fertilizer also acidify the ground . record the counseling carefully to check that you have an acidifying plant food . In addition , be certain to apply it safely according to the pedagogy .

Be certain to test your grime before relieve oneself changes . Hydrangeas , and all plants , prosper at a sure pH level . If you go too high or too lowly , you may end up drink down your plant .

What Plants Tolerate Clay Soil?

If you live in an area with scores of clay soil , horticulture can be tricky . However , do n’t give up . There are plenty of works options that can stand dense , heavy cadaver . These admit :

Ground Covers

take more ideas ? you may also essay reading12 Ground Cover Plants For Clay Soil

Flowers

Shrubs/Trees

desire more ? Then ascertain out15 Shrubs For Wet Clay Soil That Will take care slap-up In Your Garden

Other Greenery

Ornamental Grasses

To Conclude

While clay soil may not be commend for most hydrangea , you may facilitate your plants prosper in it . remediate the soil with lot of constituent matter .

Promote drainage by using produce beds , adding mulch , and aerate the soil . you may also simplify the struggle by using the idealistic hydrangea variety . blame hydrangeas that do well in cadaver , such as Smooth Hydrangeas .

Hydrangea varieties with white and yellow flower balls.

Vinca minor lesser periwinkle ornamental flowers in bloom, common periwinkle flowering plant, creeping flowers on the ground in daylight

closeup of Blue Wild Indigo flowers in a Garden setting

Rose of sharon flowers. Malvaceae deciduous tree.

Ostrich fern growing in wooded area

japanese silvergrass, miscanthus sinensis in evening sun country side