A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2003 hydrangea

I planted two hydrangeas last year. I was told they preferred shade, but someone told me they preferred sun. Can anyone help me?
thanks.

Hydrangeas will grow in both sun or shade, but they prefer afternoon shade. If given too much sun they tend to wilt and will need more water...but if grown in too much shade they may not flower as well, and the colors may not be as bright. The best planting sight would be one that gets a few hours of morning sun and evening shade.

I have 5 hydrangeas...the 3 mature ones are just blooming now and they look really pretty....the other 2 we just planted earlier this year....they are all in morning sun, afternoon shade and seem to be doing great!!!!

I noticed you live in Santa Maria which I believe is fairly cool?? Your hydrangea may be able to take a little more sun then most. Alankhart said it best--morning sun and afternoon shade. I have about 7 hydrangea but I'm in Southern California so they can't take as much sun. The one thing I've noticed is that they like alot of water and fairly rich soil. Mine took at least 2 seasons before they really began to bloom well so give them some time.

I have a very vibrant blue hydranga that gets about 3 to 4 hours of mid-morning to early afternoon sun. It is at least 3 feet high and has prolific large blooms. I planted several small hydrangas at my former residence and they are just now starting to show some brillance (2 years). It may take some time if they are small.