How Drought Tolerant is Hydrangea?
Hydrangea can show a colorful appearance in your yard. But how drought tolerant is hydrangea? It will be a waste of effort if you plant hydrangea do not survive at your new home. Many gardeners may wonder about their drought tolerance, especially in regions with limited water availability.
Earlier, I explained the growth rate of hydrangea shrub. Now, I will discuss the durability of hydrangea in this blog post, alongside recommending the water needed for hydrangeas in dry spots. If you want to explore the drought-tolerant varieties, follow our tips for caring for these beautiful plants during dry periods.
Introduction to Hydrangeas and Their Water Needs
Hydrangeas are flowering shrubs. You may have known them for their showy blooms that can change color depending on soil pH. As my observation of all these years, hydrangeas are associated with lush and moist environments. So, I wanted to test whether they can also thrive in drier conditions with proper care.
The first thing to remember is that hydrangeas generally require consistent moisture to produce their best blooms. Here, overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems. The only you can enlarge their lives is by striking a balance between—
- Providing adequate water
- Avoiding waterlogging
Are Hydrangeas Naturally Drought Tolerant?
No, hydrangeas are not naturally drought-tolerant at all. Instead, they prefer moist and well-draining soil. You have to water them regularly, especially during dry periods. The concern about the death of hydrangea is at a higher stake for some symptoms.
For instance—we saw people share their dying hydrangea symptoms on Reddit, asking for solutions. But that issue might be something different. Hydrangea can lose its leaf color after any virus or parasite attack. You can grow hydrangeas even in regions with limited water resources after proper care.
What Hydrangea Will Do in Excessive Heat?
Hydrangeas can be prone to wilting in the beautiful state, especially during hot, dry weather. To fix this, ensure the soil is consistently moist by using your fingers or a soil moisture meter to check its dryness. Then, water deeply, as deep watering can help replenish the plant’s water reserves.
If your hydrangea is planted in full sun, consider moving it to a partially shaded location. Excessive sunlight and heat can cause rapid water loss and subsequent wilting.
But as always, be aware of hydrangea diseases, such as bacterial wilt, which can also cause wilting. There is no cure, and it may be necessary to remove and destroy the affected plant.
Advice for Drought-Tolerant Hydrangea Lovers
For those looking for drought-tolerant plants for their garden, hydrangeas may not be the ideal choice. They require regular watering and are not well-suited to dry conditions. Numerous other drought-tolerant shrubs can thrive in such environments. The drought-tolerant ones offer a more sustainable and low-maintenance option.
Hydrangea Varieties That Are More Drought-Tolerant
As we spoke earlier, hydrangeas require some moisture. But there are some certain varieties that are more tolerant of drought than others. Here are a few examples:
- Oakleaf Hydrangea
- Panicle Hydrangea
- Endless Summer Hydrangea
| Hydrangea Variety | Scientific Name | Origin | Description |
| Oakleaf Hydrangea | Hydrangea Quercifolia | Southeastern United States | If you want the mixture of fresh green and white, processed to plant some Oakleaf Hydrangea. They are known for their unique, oak-shaped leaves. This variety is relatively drought-tolerant once established. |
| Panicle Hydrangea | Hydrangea paniculata | Southern and Eastern China, Korea, Japan and Russia | This versatile shrub produces large, cone-shaped blooms that can change color from white to pink or red. It is generally more tolerant of drought than other hydrangea types. |
| Endless Summer Hydrangeas | — | Japan | These reblooming hydrangeas are available in various colors and are known for their drought tolerance. |
How to Care for Hydrangeas During Drought Conditions?
Step 1: Deep Watering
When watering, try to soak the soil deeply to encourage root growth. Avoid shallow watering because shallow watering can lead to shallow roots that are more susceptible to drought stress.
Step 2: Mulching
Apply a mulch layer around your hydrangeas’ base to help retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation. Water your hydrangeas in the morning to allow the leaves to dry before nightfall. This can help prevent fungal diseases.
Step 3: Consider drip irrigation
Drip irrigation systems can be a great way to deliver water directly to the roots of your hydrangeas, minimizing water waste.
What are the Signs of Drought Stress in Hydrangeas?
If your hydrangeas are experiencing drought stress, you may notice the following signs:
- Wilting leaves
- Yellowing or browning leaves
- Reduced flower production
- Stunted growth
After observing the signs, you have to take steps to have your hydrangea return to life.
How to Improve Drought Tolerance in Hydrangeas?
While hydrangeas are often associated with shady gardens, it is possible to grow them in full sun with the right approach. Here’s what you need to know:
- Set Perfect Location: Hydrangeas can thrive in full sun in zones 6 and below for Northern gardens. For Southern gardens, afternoon shade protects plants from intense heat and sunlight.
- Pick the Best Varieties: Go for the varieties that can stand against the sun from an early age. For example, Panicle hydrangeas are the most sun-tolerant varieties. There are three of them to configure: Quick Fire Fab, Limelight Prime, and Little Quick Fire.
- Follow the Tips: You already know that consistent moisture is mandatory for hydrangeas. So mulch and use a soil moisture meter to maintain optimal levels. Besides, Hydrangeas prefer moist soil, but excessive water can suffocate roots.
Make a Sun Exposure for Hydrangeas
Who does not know hydrangeas prefer the morning sun with afternoon shade?! Most species tolerate full sun with enough water. But you must avoid reflective heat. Cultivars such as Annabelle and paniculata are more tolerant of sun and heat. Do not forget that hydrangea can grow in the shade but may not flower as much.
Prefer a Soil pH for Hydrangeas
In my 20 years of gardening, I saw hydrangeas need rich, well-draining soil and prefer cool, coastal conditions. Sandy soil may require more frequent watering. In that case, you should add organic matter and mulch to improve soil. Remember that flower color is influenced by soil pH, which can be tested and adjusted to change bloom color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Drought-Tolerant Hydrangeas
If you think watering multiple times a day can keep the drought away, you are wrong! Even drought-tolerant hydrangeas can suffer from overwatering. The best you can do is allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
Moreover, fertilize your hydrangeas regularly to provide essential nutrients and support healthy growth. Plus, look up the companion plants for hydrangea. Some plants suck all the water from the soil, leaving hydrangea to rot and dry. So, it should be a careful decision to pick the companion plants.
What are Some Alternatives to Hydrangea in a Drought Environment?
Our fellow Canadian state, Lethbridge Country, has made a list of the best drought-resistant plants so that you can choose from the preferred species. It could be your lifeline if you do not make a good wet spot for hydrangea in your newly made garden. Actually, I also think it’s better to give time and effort to something else rather than making hydrangea in rough and tough conditions.
What to Do to Prevent Drought Impact on Hydrangea?
The drought is not always geological. I saw my neighbor gone on a vacation, which caused her hydrangeas to fall in drought. The reason is insufficient watering. If you face a similar problem, do not make a mistake like Karen. You can—
- Hire someone to water your hydrangea.
- Set up a timer-based water sprinkler machine.
- Build a moisture monitor to track the drought level.
Final Thoughts
Overall, hydrangea is where you have to plant it in moisture conditions with dry soil. You just need to water 4 or 5 times to keep the moisture. It could be dead with overwatering as well as over drought. You, my friend, must be a true caretaker to keep your hydrangea alive. That’s all for today. Let me know if you want me to cover any issues regarding hydrangea.
FAQs
Can hydrangeas survive without water for a long time?
No, hydrangeas require regular watering, even drought-tolerant varieties. While they can tolerate some dry periods, prolonged drought can lead to stress and decline.
How often should I water my hydrangeas during a drought?
Water your hydrangeas deeply every 1-2 days during a drought. Monitor the soil moisture and adjust the watering frequency as needed.
Can I use rainwater to water my hydrangeas during a drought?
Yes, rainwater is an excellent choice for watering hydrangeas, especially during dry periods. You can store rainwater in a tank and water ⅘ times daily in a decent amount. But plant your hydrangea on a sloping platform so that direct rainwaters can disappear.
How to plant my drought-tolerant shrub?
Planting a shrub depends on its type, it could be bare-rooted, B&B, or container. The best you can follow is nursery instructions. That means digging a wide hole and slightly shallower than the root ball. Use a compost-soil mixture to fill the hole and plant the shrub. Firm the soil and water thoroughly.
How much water does a new shrub need?
Water your newly planted shrub with about 1/4 to 1/3 the volume of the container it came in. As it grows, water deeply penetrates 4-6 inches of soil. Generally, this means 1-2 inches of water per week.
