Protection for Hydrangea from the Sun

Types

• Hydrangeas look and grow their best based on varying degrees of sun exposure, depending on species. Panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata), smooth hydrangea (H. arborescens) and oakleaf hydrangea (H. quercifolia) are the most tolerant of all-day sunshine, but they usually fare best in partial sun. The bigleaf, or florist, hydrangea (H. macrophylla) should be kept out of hot sunshine to grow its best. Hydrangeas grown in dry soil or hot summer climates need markedly more shade compared to plants grown in moist, fertile soils in regions with comfortably cool summers.

Daytime Sun Exposure

• If you fear your property does not have ample shade from large trees in a woodland to grow the best-looking hydrangeas, proper siting is still possible. Hydrangea shrubs, regardless of species, will handle half-day sunshine from sunrise to about noon without ill effects. Hot and intense sun rays from midday through the afternoon are most problematic. Planting hydrangeas on the east side of a house, wall, hedge or small lawn tree can provide shade needed after noon to keep plants growing well.

Growing Conditions

• Hydrangeas tolerate neither bone-dry nor soggy, waterlogged soils. Keeping an evenly moist soil provides the best conditions for improving the shrub's tolerance for lots of sunlight. Non-alkaline soils enriched with organic matter improve soil fertility, porosity and drainage. Mulching the soil also helps keep soil cooler in summer and retain soil moisture. More-frequent irrigation of hydrangeas in lots of sun can offset the severity of leaf browning or faltering growth.

Constructing Sun Protection

• If relocating sun-damaged hydrangea shrubs isn't practical, construction of shade-producing garden structures can be beneficial. A wooden arbor or pergola with vine growing on it can provide shade to nearby hydrangeas. Alternatively, but less attractive, build a tentlike structure to move over the hydrangeas to provide seasonal shade. The top panel on a box-frame made of wood can be covered with nylon shade mesh netting or white cloth and placed over the hydrangeas. Move the frame as needed to provide the best protection from the hottest, most damaging sun rays in late spring and summer.

Fast-Growing Shade Plants

• Planting a fast-growing upright plant can provide some shade to benefit the adjacent hydrangeas. Planting tall sunflowers, bananas, angel's trumpets or a small tree to specifically provide shade to the hydrangeas are all options. These plants may take months to reach a size that effectively shades the hydrangeas, often not before some sun scald or leaf drop occurs.