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Best Hydrangea For Heavy Shade (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in heavy shade, then hydrangeas might be precisely what you’ve been looking for. With their big heads of beautiful blooms in shades of pink, blue, and white that last all summer long, these plants are the perfect way to add some color to shady spots in your garden.

However, before deciding to purchase hydrangeas for heavy shade, there are some factors that you should consider to ensure that they will thrive in your specific environment. Hydrangeas, for instance, prefer a moist, well-drained soil, so if your soil is sandy or clay-like, they might not be the best option for you. You will also need to decide which type of hydrangea you want to grow – there are many different varieties, each with slightly different growing conditions and care requirements.

Are you worried about attracting pollinators to your garden, but you're not sure if hydrangeas for heavy shade are the right choice for you? What about pruning – do you know when and how to do it? And what's the best way to propagate your plants to get even more of these gorgeous beauties into your garden? If you're curious about these questions (and many others), keep reading – we've got all the answers you need!

9 Best Hydrangea For Heavy Shade

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for gardening purposes and adding beautiful decor to outdoor landscapes.
2
Ideal for adding blue color to gardens and landscapes, and for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
3
Outdoor gathering and relaxation areas with protection from the sun, rain, and insects.
4
The product is ideal for improving thin lawns by providing grass seed, fertilizer, and soil improver for both sunny and shaded areas.
5
Ideal for growing grass in areas with limited sunlight or heavy shade.
6
This product is ideal for providing shade and cover for outdoor areas such as gardens, decks, and windows.
7
The product is ideal for adding colorful pink and white flowers to gardens or landscapes.
8
This grass seed is ideal for growing a cool-season lawn in areas with dense shade.
9
Ideal for growing grass in areas with low sunlight such as under trees and around buildings.
The product is ideal for gardening purposes and adding beautiful decor to outdoor landscapes.
Ideal for adding blue color to gardens and landscapes, and for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
Outdoor gathering and relaxation areas with protection from the sun, rain, and insects.
The product is ideal for improving thin lawns by providing grass seed, fertilizer, and soil improver for both sunny and shaded areas.
Ideal for growing grass in areas with limited sunlight or heavy shade.
This product is ideal for providing shade and cover for outdoor areas such as gardens, decks, and windows.
The product is ideal for adding colorful pink and white flowers to gardens or landscapes.
This grass seed is ideal for growing a cool-season lawn in areas with dense shade.
Ideal for growing grass in areas with low sunlight such as under trees and around buildings.

1. 2 Gal Proven Winners 'bobo' Hydrangea

Introducing a stunning addition to your garden, the White Summer Blooms plant! This plant is suitable for USDA Zones 3-8 and can grow up to a mature size of 36-48 inches in width and 30-36 inches in height. It prefers full sun to part shade and blooms from spring through fall, providing an exquisite display of large white flowers. This plant is deciduous, meaning it experiences foliage loss in the winter and new growth in the spring.

The White Summer Blooms plant is a showstopper with its large and striking white blooms that add elegance and charm to any garden. Its ability to bloom for a long period of time ensures that your garden will be lively and colorful throughout the growing season. This plant is easy to care for, making it perfect for both experienced and novice gardeners alike.

With its unique features, the White Summer Blooms plant is perfect for a variety of landscaping applications, including borders, hedges, and large garden beds. Create a beautiful and vibrant outdoor space with this stunning plant today!

Pros

  • Suitable for USDA Zones 3-8
  • Large and striking white blooms
  • Blooms from spring through fall
  • Easy to care for
  • Ideal for a variety of landscaping applications

2. Endless Summer Original Hydrangea, 1 Gal, Blue

This plant is suitable for growth in hardiness zones 4 through 9, making it a versatile choice for many areas. It prefers exposure to sun or partial shade and can reach a height and width of 3 to 5 feet. This particular offering comes in a 1-gallon size, making it a great option for those who want to start growing this plant.

With its hardiness and adaptability, this plant is a great addition to any garden. Its preference for sun and partial shade means it can thrive in a variety of conditions, and its moderate size makes it a great choice for many different types of landscaping. The 1-gallon size also means that it's easy to get started growing this plant and watching it thrive.

Pros

  • Suitable for hardiness zones 4-9, making it a versatile choice
  • Can grow in sun or partial shade
  • Reaches a moderate height and width of 3-5 feet
  • Comes in a convenient 1-gallon size

3. Outdoor Oasis: Sloping Roof Gazebo With Curtains

The PC roof of this pergola with canopy is designed to be water and UV-resistant, providing a practical solution to block out undesirable weather conditions. With a sloping roof design, there is no risk of water accumulation, ensuring a dry and comfortable outdoor experience. The sturdy aluminum frame is coated with power for extra stability and durability, and it also includes a drain hole to prevent water from pooling.

This outdoor pergola gazebo is perfect for hosting social gatherings, family events, and barbecues. The curtain design with straps allows for protection from wind and sun exposure and creates privacy for you and your guests. These curtains also provide effective protection against most weather conditions, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space in comfort.

Please note that this item arrives in two separate boxes, which may not be part of the same shipment, and delivery times may vary. The hot tub gazebo canopy dimensions are 13'L x 9.5'W, with a front eave of 6.5'H and back eave of 8'H.

Pros

  • Water and UV-resistant PC roof for practical weather protection
  • Sloping roof design prevents water accumulation
  • Sturdy aluminum frame with power coating for stability and durability
  • Curtain design with straps provides privacy and protection from wind and sun exposure
  • Effective protection against most weather conditions
  • Perfect for hosting social gatherings, family events, and barbecues

Cons

  • – Arrives in separate boxes, delivery times may vary

4. Scotts Turf Builder Thick'r Lawn Grass Seed, Fertilizer And Soil Improver For Sun & Shade, 40 Lbs.

Achieve a lush, thick lawn with just one easy application using this 3-in-1 solution for thin lawns. This product is a combination of seed, fertilizer and soil improver that works together to improve the condition of your lawn. It is perfect for filling gaps in your current lawn, promoting thicker and greener turf, and enhancing root development.

With this solution, you can get up to a 50% thicker lawn in no time. Simply use a spreader to apply the solution and follow proper care instructions. Keep in mind that results may vary depending on the current condition of your lawn. However, with its effective formula, you can expect to see significant improvements in no time.

Pros

  • Easy to use 3-in-1 solution for thin lawns
  • Combination of seed, fertilizer and soil improver promotes thicker and greener turf
  • Enhances root development for a healthier lawn
  • Can achieve up to a 50% thicker lawn with just one application

Cons

  • – Results may vary depending on the current condition of the lawn

5. Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Grass Mix 7 Lb

Looking for a grass seed that can thrive in shady conditions? Look no further than this Tall Fescue and Fine Fescue mix. With just 2 to 6 hours of sunlight, this grass seed is the perfect solution for areas of your lawn that don't receive much sun. Not only that, but it's also disease and traffic-resistant, making it a smart choice for anyone who wants a strong, durable lawn.

This grass seed contains the perfect amount of fertilizer to help your lawn succeed. Plus, it can save you up to 30% more water year after year compared to ordinary grass seed. And with a guaranteed growth rate, you'll see results in as little as 8 to 16 days.

Each bag covers up to 1,750 sq. ft., making it a great option for anyone who wants to grow thick, green grass in a shaded area. So why wait? Order your bag of Tall Fescue and Fine Fescue grass seed today and start enjoying a beautiful lawn in no time!

Pros

  • Thrives in shady conditions with only 2 to 6 hours of sunlight
  • Disease and traffic-resistant for a strong, durable lawn
  • Contains the perfect amount of fertilizer to help your lawn succeed
  • Can save up to 30% more water year after year compared to ordinary grass seed
  • Guaranteed growth rate with results in as little as 8 to 16 days
  • Each bag covers up to 1,750 sq. ft.

6. Outsunny Pergola Gazebo: Extendable Sun Shelter For Outdoors.

Add a touch of elegance to your outdoor living space with this stylish and functional pergola. Featuring a scrolling wave design and charming frame flourishes, this pergola is perfect for creating a comfortable and inviting space for poolside picnics, backyard barbeques, or any other outdoor gathering.

This versatile pergola can be used as a standing patio gazebo or mounted to a wall as an awning to create a shaded space for your patio furniture. It can also be used as a comfortable, dry space by your camper. It is a great way to get rid of the glare from windows and doors at home.

The steel pergola comes with an adjustable canopy that can protect you from the sun at any angle. Whether it's raining or shining, you can customize it for your comfort. The canopy top is made of powerful PA-coated polyester that prevents fading and drains away rain. The frame is created with rust-proof powder-coated steel support beams that help it hold its shape for years to come. It is designed with 10 drainage holes to stop water buildup, so you don't have to worry about extra weight.

The corner pergola has an overall dimension of 9.8' L x 8.2' W x 6.6'-8.2' H, and a front awning size of 3.8' L x 9.8' W x 5.6' H. Assembly is required.

Pros

  • Stylish and elegant design with charming frame flourishes
  • Versatile outdoor use as a standing patio gazebo or mounted as an awning
  • Adjustable canopy to protect from the sun at any angle
  • Powerful PA-coated polyester canopy top that prevents fading and drains away rain
  • Rust-proof powder-coated steel support beams that help it hold its shape for years to come
  • Designed with 10 drainage holes to stop water buildup
  • Comes with 8 support stakes for added stability on soft ground

Cons

  • – Assembly is required

7. 2 Gal Proven Winners Little Quick Fire Hydrangea, Rich Pink And Creamy White

The Early Blooming Hydrangea is a stunning addition to any garden with its bold pink and cream-colored blooms that brighten up any space. This deciduous plant thrives in USDA zones 3-8 and prefers full to partial shade.

Please note that this plant is shipped dormant during the winter through early spring months. To ensure optimal health, the plants are trimmed before shipping.

The Early Blooming Hydrangea is a prolific bloomer, with its expected blooming period ranging from spring to fall. Its striking color and early blooming time make it a favorite among gardeners looking to add a pop of color to their landscape.

Pros

  • Thrives in USDA zones 3-8
  • Bold pink and cream-colored blooms add a pop of color to any garden
  • Prolific bloomer with blooms expected from spring to fall

Cons

  • – Prefers full to partial shade, may not thrive in full sun
  • – Ships dormant during winter and early spring

8. Jonathan Green (10600) Black Beauty Dense Shade Grass Seed – Cool Season Lawn Seed (3 Lb)

Looking for a grass seed mix that is perfect for lawns with big trees or shaded areas? Try this shade-tolerant grass seed mix that is designed for areas where sunlight is limited. This grass seed mix contains four cool-season grasses: turf-type tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye, and fine fescues. These grasses produce healthy, dense, and attractive turf with a dark-green color.

With a germination time of 14-21 days, this grass seed mixture establishes quickly and efficiently. It also contains beneficial endophytes that help it grow better. This 3 lb bag of grass seed mix will seed up to 900 sq. ft. for new lawns and up to 1,800 sq. ft. for overseeding. The best time to apply is mid-August through mid-October, or mid-March through mid-May. Get complete coverage for your lawn with this shade-tolerant grass seed mix.

Pros

  • Designed for areas where sunlight is limited
  • Produces healthy, dense, and attractive turf with a dark-green color
  • Germinates and establishes quickly
  • Contains beneficial endophytes that help it grow better
  • Contains four cool-season grasses, providing versatility in shady to partial sun lawns
  • Can seed up to 900 sq. ft. for new lawns and up to 1,800 sq. ft. for overseeding

9. Greenview Fairway Formula Grass Seed Dense Shade Mixture – 20 Lbs.

A-LIST mixture is specially formulated for lawns that receive no more than 4-6 hours of filtered sun per day. This premium quality seed mixture is 99.9% weed-free and contains our proprietary blend of top-rated seeds that can provide superior resistance to drought, insects, disease, heat, and heavy traffic from children and pets. The uncoated seeds ensure maximum seed coverage which is ideal for new lawn seeding or overseeding existing lawns up to 5,000 sq. ft. and 10,000 sq. ft. respectively.

For optimal results, pair A-LIST mixture with GreenView Fairway Formula Seeding Success, a one-step starter fertilizer, and seeding mulch that guarantees successful seed germination. With fast seed germination in as little as 7 days, you can expect professional results with this product. Furthermore, if you're not satisfied with the results, GreenView Yard Wide Guarantee ensures your money back. With all these features, A-LIST mixture is an ideal choice for those who want to achieve a beautiful lawn even in low sunlight conditions.

Pros

  • Specially formulated for lawns that receive no more than 4-6 hours of filtered sun per day
  • Premium quality seed mixture that is 99.9% weed-free
  • Can provide superior resistance to drought, insects, disease, heat, and heavy traffic from children and pets
  • Uncoated seeds ensure maximum seed coverage
  • Ideal for new lawn seeding or overseeding existing lawns up to 5,000 sq. ft. and 10,000 sq. ft., respectively
  • Fast seed germination in as little as 7 days
  • GreenView Yard Wide Guarantee ensures your money back

Best Hydrangea For Heavy Shade FAQs

Are there any companion plants that can be planted with hydrangeas in heavy shade to enhance their growth and appearance?

Yes, there are several companion plants that can be planted with hydrangeas in heavy shade to enhance their growth and appearance. One great option is hostas, which have similar growing requirements and can provide a lush green backdrop for the hydrangeas. Another good choice is ferns, which thrive in moist, shady conditions and can add a delicate texture to the garden. Japanese forest grass is another option, with its golden foliage providing a bright contrast to the hydrangea's blooms. Additionally, astilbes and bleeding hearts are perennials that prefer shade and can add color and interest to the area around the hydrangeas. These companion plants not only enhance the appearance of the hydrangeas, but also help to create a more diverse and balanced ecosystem in the garden.

Can hydrangeas grow and thrive in heavy shade conditions?

Yes, hydrangeas can grow and thrive in heavy shade conditions. In fact, they are known for their ability to tolerate shade and can even produce more blooms in shade than in full sun. However, it's important to note that not all hydrangea varieties are created equal when it comes to shade tolerance. Some varieties, such as the Bigleaf hydrangea, are more shade tolerant than others. It's also important to ensure that the soil in which the hydrangeas are planted is well-draining and rich in organic matter, as this can help them thrive in shade conditions. Adequate moisture is also important for hydrangeas growing in heavy shade, as they may not receive as much rainfall as those growing in full sun. Overall, with the right variety and proper care, hydrangeas can grow and thrive in heavy shade conditions.

How can I improve soil conditions to encourage hydrangeas to grow in heavy shade?

Hydrangeas are a popular choice among gardeners, as they produce beautiful blooms that add color and texture to any landscape. However, these plants require specific soil conditions to thrive, especially when grown in heavy shade.

To improve soil conditions for hydrangeas, you can start by adding organic matter to the soil. This can include compost, leaf mold, or well-rotted manure. These materials will help to improve soil structure and drainage, as well as provide nutrients for the plants.

You should also consider adjusting the soil pH to encourage healthy growth. Hydrangeas prefer slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH.

Finally, make sure that the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Hydrangeas don't like to dry out, but they also don't like to sit in water. Make sure that the soil drains well and that you water the plants deeply and regularly.

By improving soil conditions in this way, you can encourage healthy growth and beautiful blooms from your hydrangeas, even in heavy shade.

What are some tips for caring for hydrangeas in heavy shade?

Hydrangeas are popular flowering plants known for their large and colorful blooms. While most hydrangeas prefer filtered sunlight or partial shade, some varieties can thrive in heavy shade. If you have hydrangeas growing in a shady area of your garden, here are some tips for caring for them:

1. Watering: Hydrangeas need regular watering, especially in heavy shade where the soil may not dry out as quickly. Water deeply once or twice a week to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

2. Fertilizing: Fertilize hydrangeas in heavy shade with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, in spring and midsummer. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as this can encourage new growth that may not have time to harden off before winter.

3. Pruning: Prune hydrangeas in heavy shade in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any weak or crossing branches that may impede air circulation.

4. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of your hydrangeas to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperatures. Use a 2- to 3-inch layer of shredded leaves, bark, or compost.

5. Protection: Protect your hydrangeas from harsh winter winds and frost by covering them with burlap or other breathable fabric. Avoid using plastic, as this can trap moisture and damage the plant.

By following these tips, you can help your hydrangeas thrive in heavy shade and enjoy their beautiful blooms year after year.

What are the best varieties of hydrangea for planting in heavy shade?

Hydrangeas are known for their beautiful blooms and are a popular choice for gardens. However, planting them in heavy shade can be a bit tricky. The good news is that there are several varieties of hydrangeas that thrive in shade.

One of the best varieties for shade is the Hydrangea macrophylla. This variety has large, showy blooms that come in shades of pink, blue, and purple. Another great option is the Hydrangea quercifolia, also known as oakleaf hydrangea, which has large, cone-shaped blooms and stunning fall foliage.

The Hydrangea arborescens, or smooth hydrangea, is also a good choice for shade. This variety produces white, fluffy blooms and can tolerate a range of soil conditions. Lastly, the Hydrangea serrata, or mountain hydrangea, is a compact shrub with delicate lacecap blooms and a long bloom time.

When planting hydrangeas in shade, it's important to make sure they get enough water and are not exposed to too much direct sunlight. Adding organic matter to the soil and mulching around the base of the plant can also help to retain moisture and keep the roots cool. With the right care and attention, these hydrangea varieties can thrive in even the shadiest of gardens.

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