Working on my plans for a garden. The problem is that I'm in love with hydrangeas and the place I need to put them gets full morning sun, in Texas. Am I doomed or does anyone have a success story to share. I'll change plants if I have to but I'd really like to stay with hydrangeas or something very similar you think would work. Thank you.
Thanks so much for the input. I'll go by a nursery today and see what information I can get on a suitable alternative. Maybe there is something similar that would be easier to maintain. As always, I appreciate you guys!! Later that day-I give up. There are NONE that would survive the full Texas summer sun. Went with Knockout roses and boxwoods. Thanks for the input!!
No. We are in zone 7a and the ones which get too much sun really suffer for it. By similar what do you mean? A perennial? A flowering shrub? Something with large leaves? Think about what you are after so you can look accordingly.
Best
F. B.
I don't know. You could try it (if it won't break the bank if they die and you have to go with something else). I love them, too, and HAD to at least try them in my front bed. They got some afternoon sun and it was just too much for them. I'm in I think Zone 8 (Southern Coastal GA), and they did ok in the spring, but then once the full heat kicked in, there was no saving them from burning. I had to move them to another spot where they still get a tiny bit of afternoon sun, and even then, it's almost too much.
The leaves burn SO easily. I'd be afraid full sun (even in morning) would be awful. Perhaps there are varieties that can take it more than others, but I know they are shade loving plants, so don't do it if you can't afford to lose them. I would ask a good nursery (not a box store like Lowes/HomeDepot) or landscaper, and believe what they say. Most will say "you could try it" to just about anything, but you can tell by their voice that they mean "if you want to throw your money away"...
If you get the right hydrangea - one that can tolerate your zone - you might do alright.
I think oakleaf hydrangea is recommended for zone 9 but it's still going to need some water and it'll have to be well mulched to help it retain water.
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/grow-zone-9-hydrangeas-23725...
What's available at your local plant center/nursery? Talk to them, the local plant people are the BEST sources of information. I love hydrangeas too but even here in Nor Cal they are very finicky, must get just the right amount of sun (morning and minimal) soil and drainage to thrive, and seem to love growing up against the coolest side of the house.
Hydrangeas do not like full sun, but will tolerate 5-6 hours of full sun. Water really well in the evening and mulch around to retain water. I have one that is in full sun for 6 hours daily, and is ok, but grows slowly.
I'm up in the maritime northwest area (I have zero idea which zone)... I had to move my own hydrangea from a morning sun spot to a mostly shade spot (north side of house, sheltered from morning sun by a camellia and rhododendron on the east side and the shadow of the house on the east side).
What I would suggest is talking to your local plant nursery. Many nurseries will have an experienced or master gardener on staff to help customers to select plants which may have more tolerance to sun. There are lots of varieties of hydrangea... some are rather atypical-looking, or perhaps there is a nice relative or something comparable (showy flowers, nice growth shape) which does well with less water and more sun. Oh, and water the hell out of it. No joke.In summer, even in the shade, my hydrangea likes about a gallon every other day or so.
I LOVE them too!! But I think full sun may be a problem. I am a lot further north than you. I think zone 4 or5? Mine get full afternoon sun and really don't like it. It helps if I water them or move a patio umbrella to shade them. Ask at a reputable garden center. Mine are the pink/blue Endless Summer variety. Maybe you have a variety better suited for your climate.
I don't know about your area, but they are in every garden out on Cape Cod and the Islands (Nantucket/Martha's Vineyard) where they are in sandy soil, full sun and battered by sea breezes which dry things out). Definitely get local advice but they are super hardy in seaside communities with few if any tall trees or other shade.
We're in the DFW area (zone 8, I think) and have large hydrangeas that have grown well for many years. They're in the shade for most of the day getting just a couple of hours of evening sun. I love them!
Lantanas are pretty, come in lots of colors, and they look like very tiny hydrangeas :). I feel your pain, though. Hydrangeas, lilacs, and peonies are all no-go in the desert!
