Can hydrangeas grow in shade?
With bountiful flowers and exceptional versatility, it's no wonder that hydrangeas have become so popular among gardeners! With a wide range of varieties available, there is a hydrangea for nearly every garden. Given a sunny spot with well-draining soil, they are bound to bring you joy year after year. But will hydrangeas grow in the shade?
Hydrangeas grow best in full sun (more than 6 hours sun) to part sun (4-6 hours sun). With that being said, all hydrangeas can handle some shade, but the timing and type of shade are important to consider. They can be in full shade during the hottest part of the day, as long as they are getting some morning sun. This is especially true in hotter climates. However, if they aren't getting enough sun, they don't flower as much and their stems tend to be weaker and floppier.
Don't let a little shade crush your hydrangea-garden dreams. We've compiled a list of hydrangeas that are more shade-tolerant than others.
When to worry about your hydrangeas in the shade
If your hydrangea isn't blooming, has flopping stems, or stunted growth, it's likely that it isn't receiving enough light. Don't worry; you can always move it! Transplant your hydrangea to an area in your garden with more sun, or move it to a container to grow on sunny decks or patios.
