These plants provide late summer blossoms when few other bushes are in bloom.
Tree hydrangeas are fairly easy to care for and can grow in various conditions.
They are tolerant of pollution, urban conditions, and salt in the soil.
The Spruce / Ariel Visci
Note that they are toxic to both humans and animals.
In hot climates, they will benefit from some afternoon shade.
Water
Water the soil so it is lightly moist but not too soggy.
The Spruce / Ariel Visci
Be careful not to overwater, which can cause root rot and other diseases.
In hot weather, its important to double-check they are well-watered to prevent stress on the plant.
Humidity typically isnt an issue as long as their water requirements are met.
The Spruce / Ariel Visci
Over the summer, the shrubs will benefit from an tool ofcompost.
Train the plant to grow as a tree by choosing one main stem to secure onto a sturdy stake.
Prune away competing ground stems.
The Spruce / Ariel Visci
It can require two or more years before a tree hydrangea takes a true tree shape.
Propagate tree hydrangeas by taking cuttings in the spring or early summer before the shrub begins to flower.
Taking a cutting is an inexpensive way to produce more of a particular tree hydrangea variety that you like.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
Choose a container a few inches larger than the previous one.
The best container material is unglazed clay which allows excess moisture in the soil to evaporate through its walls.
Use a well-mixed compost with a fertilizer designed for hydrangeas.
Cover the roots and stem with the soil.
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Overwintering
Help your plants through the winter by keeping the soil moist until the ground freezes.
Hydrangeas of all varieties can also fall prey to rose chafers and scale.
Numerous viruses cause leaves to turn yellow and a plant to lose its flowers.
The only real treatment is the removal of affected plants.
What do Tree Hydrangea Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The flower heads take on a pinkish hue over time before fading to tan or brown for the winter.
Tree hydrangea flowers can have a heady perfume-like scent.
Ensure the ground is moist but not soggy for your tree hydrangea to bloom.
Also, overfertilization can lead to lush foliage but fewer blooms.
The following are some common issues to watch out for.
Leaves Turning Black/Brown
Black or brown spots on foliage can often signal a fungal disease.
If the affected area is small, just prune it off.
Use a suitable fungicide for larger problems.
The soil should never be soggy or be allowed to dry out completely.
A hydrangea tree grows on average 6 to 8 feet tall.
However, some can grow 15 to 25 feet tall, and dwarf varieties grow about 3 feet tall.
Plant a hydrangea tree where it can get plenty of morning sun and some afternoon shade.
The plant can tolerate more sun in northern climates.
Also, plant a hydrangea tree away from open areas where wind gusts occur.
Tree hydrangeas are technically a shrub just like the bush varieties.
They just have a more upright growth habit and can be trained into a tree-like form via pruning.
North Carolina State Extension.
