Portland Nursery

Every amazing Pacific Northwest garden has at least one Hydrangea. They perform incredibly well in the ground, but you can easily grow them in containers too!

Most Hydrangeas perform best when planted in dappled light or afternoon shade. When planted in full sun, they’ll need a lot more water and you’ll risk scorching the plants—but there are a couple of exceptions. Hydrangea paniculata and Hydrangea quercifolia can handle a sunny spot, but even they prefer part shade when available.

Hydrangeas prefer consistently moist, well-drained soil. Remember, your soil’s pH will determine the color of your flowers. A low, acidic pH of 4.5 typically results in deep blue flowers, while a higher alkaline pH of 7 will result in deep pink blooms. A mid-range pH of roughly 5.5 to 6 will result in purple flowers. If you want to maintain a particular color, we recommend checking your soil pH throughout the year. Adding lime to your soil twice per year will lower the acidity and raise the pH. If you want to keep your Hydrangeas on the bluer end of the spectrum, add aluminum sulfate to your soil once per year.

If you have a sun-blasted space in your garden for a small tree or tall shrub, we highly recommend taking a closer look at the much-beloved crape myrtle.

Lagerstroemia, like the Pink Velour pictured here, are fast-growing, heat and drought tolerant, deciduous shrubs and trees that thrive where others struggle.