Growing Hydrangeas In Pots: Beginners Guide

Basics of Growing Hydrangeas

1. Types of hydrangeas

There are several types of hydrangeas with Endless Summer being one of my favorites. From the popular mophead variety to the delicate lacecap, each type requires a slightly different approach to care.

2. Container size

When it comes to choosing the right pot size, bigger is not always better. Hydrangeas grow best in containers that are just big enough to accommodate their roots.

3. Soil

The right soil is key to a healthy hydrangea plant. These flowering beauties prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.

If  you purchase the annuals small and make your own pots in early Spring, you can save money but you still are left with dead plants at the end of the season.

Hydrangea plants are considered a perennial which will grow back year after year if care for properly.

Choose pots with sufficient drainage holes to prevent root rot

When growing hydrangeas in pots, selecting the correct pot with sufficient drainage holes is crucial. My pot is a few years old and I don’t even remember where I got it!

This pot and this pot are similar.

Without proper drainage, excess water can accumulate in the soil, leading to root rot and ultimately killing the plant.

If you purchase a pot without drainage holes, grab a drill with a 1″ drill bit and make some holes in the bottom of the container.

The hydrangea plants that I purchased in the images below are Cityline Vienna (Compact Bigleaf) and Hydrangea Macrophylia plant bushes.

The best part, you can buy small hydrangea bushes  for around $29-$35 which is the same cost of a hanging annual plant.

The difference, the annual plant is dead in a couple months and your investment is gone.

I always plant 4 – 6 perennial bushes or shrubs, usually hydrangeas and roses in pots each year and then in the Fall I transfer them to a flower bed so that my investment comes back every year.

Winter Potted Hydrangea Care

Can you leave hydrangeas in pots during the winter?

I have not attempted to leave my potted hydrangeas in pots indoors during the winter.

You can actually remove the potted hydrangea bushes from the pretty pots in the fall, transfer to a cheap plastic pot and actually “plant” the plastic potted hydrangea in the ground. 

The following Spring, you can dig up the plastic potted hydrangea bush and place back in a pretty pot and you will be amazed at how the hydrangea bush will come back and be fuller and more vibrant than the previous year.

Yes, potted hydrangea plants will re-bloom each year if you properly care for them. 

How long do potted hydrangeas last? 

My potted hydrangeas last from early spring – early fall ( we live in Massachusetts) and then I replant them in the ground.

Our pool area gets full sun which is what these type of hydrangea plants require. Be sure to purchase hydrangea plants that will do well in your type of sun exposure.

There are many hydrangea plants that do well in morning sun or afternoon shade.

I have done this at our previous house for two seasons and after the second season, I potted it for good in a flower bed. 

Be sure to plant the hydrangea plant in a large enough pot. I try to plant my hydrangea plants in a pot that is at least 3x the size of the base of the plant. 

This allows the roots to spread in the pot and not get pot bound by the end of the summer. 

Growing hydrangeas in pots is a great way to save money and add lushness to  your patio each year.

Below, is the hydrangea I purchased called Cityline Vienna (Compact Bigleaf) Hydrangea Macrophylia bushes for $29.99 each (I bought 4) and planted 2 small containers of German Ivy and White Bacopa along the sides of each  hydrangea bush.

Problems with Hydrangeas in Pots

Common problems with potted hydrangea plants are root bound plants, poor soil, not enough water or excess water that does not drain. 

1. Planting in the Proper Soil Mixture – mix a combination of potting soil and compost
2. Ensure Adequate Sunlight Conditions – hydrangeas need indirect sunlight for the best results
3. Mixing a combination of potting soil and compost (I usually buy potting mix at Home Depot or Lowes). For any plant to thrive, planting it in the proper soil mixture is key.

It is crucial to ensure that your hydrangeas receive adequate sunlight conditions to achieve the best results.

Hydrangeas have specific requirements (depending on the hardiness zone), and providing indirect sun exposure is a must.

Full Shade and limited light can damage their growth, affect their bloom size and color, and reduce their overall vitality.

Some will do ok in partial shade so be sure to read the label.

Best Fertilizer & Soil For Hydrangea

Potting soil provides a foundation for healthy root growth, while compost adds nutrients that help plants develop and flourish.

I used a sweet potting soil with fertilizer to ensure the pink hydrangea blooms.

The soil ph / acidic level of the soil indicates whether you have pink flowers or blue.

Also, be sure to use a quality potting soil that drains well.

Potting Tip: You can also put a 2-3 handfuls of small rocks on the bottom on your pot (cover will potting soil) to help with drainage as well.

You want your soil to be moist especially if in full sun. 

I have 3 large containers around our pool each summer and the potted hydrangeas look amazing set inside the bends of the pool.

Printable Version

Southern Living has a great article on different ways to grow hydrangeas in pots if you are looking for more ideas.

Looking for patio and planter products? We now have an Amazon Store where everything is linked!

Visit this link, patio and outdoor planters to head to our storefront.

Be sure to also visit our DIY lattice privacy screen tutorial if you are looking to create a beautiful backdrop on your patio on deck to feature your potted hydrangeas!