When should I plant these hydrangeas please?

3 years ago

Hi everyone! Last August I was given (4) rhododendron clippings to see if I could root them. I have no idea what kind of rhododendron this is but it's pretty. If you know what kind it is, please let me know? (thanks) I was afraid of losing them throughout the winter months. I put the pot and all right into the garden and they rooted just fine. When it got really freezing I covered them with some burlap. They aren't very big yet but they are alive...yippee! - I would like to know when I should plant them into my garden, any help would be appreciated. I took a couple of photos so you can see that they are still pretty small. Should I give them some kind of fertilizer? I've included a pic of what they would look like if all works out well for me. Thank you for your help.

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Comments (4)

luis_pr
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Hello, Garden Mist. I normally suggest growing them in 4" pots until they have a decently sized root system that will allow them to grow and resist winters and hot summers, when they have enough top growth too (not sure how tall these are or if they have been pruned before) and to use a liquid fertilizer (if Miracle Gro 30-x-x then at half strength)... and like wait a year in z4-6, maybe even z7... but I am confused by something you said... Are these hydrangeas or rhododendrons? Some leaves in plant #2 look like they might be hydrangea leaves unfurling but you said they were rhododendrons twice. Of all, the rightmost one looks awful puny but it is difficult to gauge height, distance from camera, what kind of winters they will face, and what kind of root system they all have right now. With my uncertainties, maybe it is best to take no chances, give them some bright shade and slowly migrate them to a few hours of morning sun this year (until 10-11am) while keeping them potted until they get taller. It never hurts to keep them potted a tad longer as long as you monitor roots circling the pot, moisture and fertilize. Good luck.

PS-Another thought: perhaps the person that gave them to you lives enough close by to you and can tell you when he/she would plant them in the ground?
Garden Mist thanked luis_pr
Garden Mist
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Hi Luis,

I am sorry for the confusion. I must have been thinking about my rhododendrons. These are definitely hydrangeas. Okay, so they've been in this pot since last August. I'll give them some Miracle Gro. I don't know if the original plant has ever been pruned. My friend purchased her home last year and the hydrangea was already there so I don't know anything about their history. I'll give them bright shade like you said and migrate to morning sun. To sum things up, you suggest leaving them in these pots for another year? Thanks so much for helping me again Luis. - Diane
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luis_pr
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Yes, as they still look small to me and specially if you get cold winters. Feel free to put them outside if it has been days after your average date of last frost. Or put them outside but bring them back inside if there is a late frost/freeze warning.
Garden Mist
Original Author
3 years ago
Got it. Thanks Luis.

When should I plant these hydrangeas please?

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When should I plant these hydrangeas please?

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