5 Places You Should Never Plant Hydrangeas, According to Gardening Experts

Hydrangeas are versatile shrubs that are beloved for their blue, purple, and pink blooms. However, there are some areas in the garden where hydrangeas may not thrive. In general, these plants prefer partial shade and well-draining soil, so environments with excessive sun or water can cause them to wilt.

Here, we spoke to gardening experts about the worst places to plant hydrangeas. Avoiding these problem spots can help ensure your hydrangeas stay healthy and vibrant throughout the season.

Clay Soils

Hydrangeas do best in well-drained soil, so a water-logged area of the garden that retains moisture isn't ideal.

"[They] don't like wet feet," says Jan Johnsen, landscape designer and principal of Johnsen Landscapes & Pools. "Don't plant hydrangeas in low-lying areas or in heavy, poorly-drained soil."

If an area with clay soil is your only option, however, then you can always amend the soil to allow for more drainage.

Full Sun

Full, all-day sun isn't ideal for most hydrangeas, says Johnsen—especially if the temperature is high.

"Full sun, especially in warm climates, can burn the flowers and leaves, and can more easily dry out and cause the shrub to shrivel up," adds Ryan McEnaney, professional gardener and communications manager for Baylie Nurseries.

Some varieties prefer more sun than others, though. Panicle hydrangeas do well in full sun, but hot climates still call for partial shade. Smooth hydrangeas, on the other hand, are native to riverbanks and wooded areas, so they prefer more shade.

Windy Areas

You shouldn't plant hydrangeas in wide open areas—especially if there's a lot of wind. This can damage certain varieties, causing them to struggle.

"Smooth hydrangeas don’t typically form thick, woody stems, so heavy wind can cause stems to snap or bend, and the blooms to droop onto the ground," says McEnaney.

Small Pots

You can grow smaller varieties of hydrangeas in containers—but only if said container is big enough. A smaller pot may be problematic.

"Hydrangeas have roots that grow horizontally, so if you’re planting smaller varieties in deco pots, be sure that they’re at least 15 to 18 inches wide to allow the root system to develop without becoming rootbound," says McEnaney.

They should also be deep enough to support moisture retention—shallow pots will dry out quickly.

Fertilized Lawns

A green lawn can look beautiful—but you may not want to grow your hydrangeas next to it. Grass fertilizer is high in nitrogen, which will slow down bloom production. However, if you really want to grow hydrangeas in this area, you can still make it work.

[Just] be sure the turf fertilizer doesn’t spray into the garden bed," says McEnaney. "Fertilize your hydrangeas with a phosphorus-rich bloom booster, or put your hydrangeas in pots to better control the soil and nutrients."