Since I moved to Florida last summer, I’ve kept a lookout for my favorite hydrangea shrubs in local garden centers. At least they are not in the “garden” area. I’ve seen hydrangeas in pots inside the Home Depot meant to give as gifts or use as indoor plants. And I think that in this hot and humid climate they may grow best inside.
From what I’ve read, the Oakleaf hydrangea will survive outside in zone 9, so that is one option. It’s not exactly like any of the other types of hydrangea I’ve grown, so it will be experimental if I decide to buy it. Also it seems very leafy, without those big gorgeous flowers like the mopheads have. The Oakleaf seems suited to areas beneath trees where it would get filtered sunlight. And it doesn’t seem to be grown for it’s gorgeous flowers.
What I do know is that a hydrangea will grow best getting some morning sun and then shade for the rest of the day. In Florida, during dry times, it will require a lot of watering also. I picture any hydrangea growing in the ground here needing a lot of water.
I’ve read in gardening forums that some people buy the potted hydrangeas that are sold around holiday time, and then keep them inside out of the direct sun.
The trouble with having hydrangeas in the yard down here is that most tropical plants remain lush and green year round. Hydrangeas are deciduous, which means their leaves will fall off for the winter months. For that reason, they will look out of place in a Florida landscape. In the north, everything goes dormant for the winter, so leafless hydrangea plants don’t stick out like a sore thumb. Or will they keep their leaves because of the southern climate?
Someone suggested growing camellias instead of hydrangeas. I’ve grown camellias before and they are lovely plants with a variety of flowers to choose from.
Camellia
Easter and Mother’s Day are both coming up and I suspect the local stores will be offering some hydrangeas for both of those holidays. It could be the best time to find new hydrangeas to grow in my southern home.
In the north, the blue hydrangeas and Pinky Winky were my favorites, but it might be a nice change to have a true pink potted hydrangea.
(Photo credits: Pixabay.com)
I Purchased a Potted Hydrangea in Blue
Now I own a potted blue hydrangea. The local Home Depot had them for sale and they were small enough to not cost me a fortune, so I decided, why not?
Read more about my new hydrangea here.
Thank you for sharing!
Hydrangeas Blue 
I still have my hydrangea for Mother’s Day. What do extreme heat in Florida in July? I brought it inside to water it and I’m wondering if it should be kept inside? Will it grow inside?
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I suspect it will grow well inside for a while. Maybe move it back outside when the weather is cooler – September? I believe all plants do better in the ground, with natural sunshine, but hydrangeas struggle in our Florida climate. The types of hydrangeas sold at Mother’s Day are specially grown to give as gifts. We can’t replicate that, or keep those greenhouse plants doing as well. Although my hydrangea is outside, and has been growing in the ground for years now, it gets very small flowers only. Good luck!
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I kept my hydrangea from last year on the side on the shade and the flowers are blooming now in jupiter florida. I am so happy.
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Yay! What color are your flowers?
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You may want to try growing a Dombeya which is often called a tropical hydrangea. It has beautiful pink puff balls of flowers on it and attracts bees and butterflies while in bloom – big pluses for my garden.
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Thank you for that info Lena. I am always interested in attracting the beneficials. I will keep the Dombeya in mind. Can I ask where I may find them for sale?
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