How to Shape Your Hydrangea into a Tree

Hydrangeas are the perfect addition to any garden, with their quick growth, low maintenance requirements, and abundant, vibrant blooms. While they typically grow as multi-stemmed shrubs, have you ever considered transforming them into tree form hydrangeas?

These tree-like plants, resembling lollipops with their tall, sleek appearance, offer a modern twist on the traditional blooming bush. While purchasing tree form hydrangeas from a nursery can be costly due to the time-consuming shaping process, you can achieve the same result at home with some patience and skill.

If you’re interested in learning how to train your hydrangeas into an elegant tree form, keep reading for a comprehensive guide on the process.

What You’ll Learn

In this article, we will cover:
– Considerations to keep in mind before starting the shaping process
– Steps to successfully transform your hydrangea into a tree
– Best uses for showcasing your beautiful tree form hydrangeas

Considerations

Before diving into the process of shaping your hydrangeas into tree form, it’s essential to consider a few key points. Tree form plants, also known as standards, are available for various species like lavender, maples, and gardenias. However, the ideal species for creating a tree form is the panicle hydrangea, specifically the H. paniculata variety commonly referred to as the tree hydrangea.

Panicle hydrangeas are hardy plants that thrive in Zones 3 to 9, with large, conical blooms that develop on new wood. These plants are fast-growing and resilient, making them ideal candidates for shaping into tree form.

As you begin the shaping process, ensure you use clean tools to avoid transmitting any disease pathogens or pests to the plants. Disinfect your shears or clippers with a 10 percent bleach solution before and between each pruning session to maintain plant health.

Start Snipping

Whether you start with a rooted cutting or an established plant, be prepared for a lengthy process that may take over five years to achieve the desired tree form shape. While nursery-bought tree form shrubs like the ‘Little Lime’ option at Nature Hills have been trained from the beginning, you can also start with a small plant from a nursery or your garden.

When selecting a plant, opt for a healthy panicle hydrangea variety with relatively thin stems, around a quarter of an inch in diameter. Choose the most upright stem as the leader and secure it with a bamboo stake to encourage straight growth. Prune away any branches near the soil line to focus on the main stem.

Throughout the shaping process, yearly maintenance pruning is crucial to maintain the tree form structure. Trim branches to create a full, rounded head, and remove any side shoots that appear. Additionally, continue to support the tree against wind until the trunk becomes strong enough to support the top.

Best Uses

Once you’ve successfully shaped your hydrangea into tree form, it’s time to showcase it in your garden or patio. These beautiful plants make a stunning focal point when placed along driveways, fences, doorways, or among other shrubs and plants in your garden.

In pots, they can also serve as delightful gifts, especially when adorned with complementary flowers like petunias. The vibrant blooms and unique tree form structure of your hydrangeas will undoubtedly catch the eye of visitors and passersby.

Lollipop Hydrangeas

Creating your own lollipop hydrangeas can be a rewarding and visually appealing project for any gardener. While it requires dedication and patience, the final result of a ball of bright blooms on a stick is truly worth it. Whether you decide to add multiple lollipop hydrangeas to your yard or showcase a single plant as a statement piece, the unique and striking appearance will not go unnoticed.

If you undertake this project and have any questions or want to share your creations, feel free to leave a comment. We’d love to hear about your experiences and see photos of your beautiful tree form hydrangeas!

For more information on growing hydrangeas and caring for these lovely plants, check out the following guides:
– Tips for Growing Lacecap Hydrangeas
– How to Grow Hydrangea Flowers in Containers
– How to Identify and Treat Hydrangea Diseases
– 7 Reasons Why Your Hydrangea May Not Bloom

By following these guidelines and investing time and effort into shaping your hydrangeas into tree form, you can create a stunning addition to your garden that will be admired for years to come.