Hydrangea: The Perfect Drought-Tolerant Plant for Your Garden

Are you tired of having to water your plants every day during hot summer months? Do you want to add some colorful flowers to your garden but live in an area with low rainfall or frequent droughts? If so, then you should consider planting drought-tolerant hydrangeas in your garden!

Hydrangeas are a popular flowering plant known for their large, showy blooms and vibrant colors. They are typically grown in areas with moderate to high rainfall, but recent breeding efforts have resulted in drought-tolerant varieties that can thrive in drier climates.

In this article, we'll discuss the benefits of planting drought-tolerant hydrangeas in your garden, how to care for them, and some of the best varieties available today.

The Benefits of Drought-Tolerant Hydrangeas

Drought-tolerant hydrangeas offer several benefits over traditional varieties that require more water. Here are just a few:

Water Conservation

One of the most significant benefits of drought-tolerant hydrangeas is their ability to conserve water. These plants are adapted to dry conditions, meaning they require less water than other types of hydrangeas. This not only saves you time and money but also helps conserve our planet's precious water resources.

Low Maintenance

Because drought-tolerant hydrangeas require less water, they're also lower maintenance than traditional varieties. You won't need to spend as much time watering them, and they're less likely to suffer from overwatering or root rot.

Drought Resistance

Drought-tolerant hydrangeas are also more resistant to droughts than other types of hydrangeas. They have deeper roots that can reach down into the soil to find water, and they can survive longer periods of dry weather without suffering damage.

Caring for Your Drought-Tolerant Hydrangeas

While drought-tolerant hydrangeas require less water than other varieties, they still need some care to thrive. Here are a few tips for caring for your plants:

Planting

When planting your drought-tolerant hydrangeas, make sure to choose a location that gets plenty of sun but also has some shade during the hottest parts of the day. You'll also want to ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent water from pooling around the roots.

Watering

While drought-tolerant hydrangeas don't need as much water as other varieties, they still need some moisture to thrive. Water your plants deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering to once every two weeks during the dormant season.

Fertilizing

Fertilize your drought-tolerant hydrangeas with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season, as this can encourage new growth that will be vulnerable to cold temperatures.

Pruning

Prune your hydrangeas in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and prune back last year's growth to encourage new blooms.

The Best Varieties of Drought-Tolerant Hydrangeas

Now that you know the benefits of planting drought-tolerant hydrangeas and how to care for them, here are some of the best varieties available today:

1. Limelight

Limelight hydrangeas are a popular choice for gardeners looking for a drought-tolerant variety that produces large, cone-shaped blooms in late summer. These plants can grow up to 8 feet tall and prefer full sun to partial shade.

2. Little Lime

Little Lime hydrangeas are a smaller version of the Limelight variety, growing only 3-5 feet tall. They produce the same large, cone-shaped blooms in late summer and prefer full sun to partial shade.

3. Incrediball

Incrediball hydrangeas are known for their huge, round blooms that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. They prefer full sun to partial shade and can grow up to 5 feet tall.

4. Annabelle

Annabelle hydrangeas are a classic variety known for their large, white blooms that appear in midsummer. These plants prefer partial shade and can grow up to 6 feet tall.

5. Pinky Winky

Pinky Winky hydrangeas are a unique variety that produces pink and white blooms on the same plant. They prefer full sun to partial shade and can grow up to 8 feet tall.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do drought-tolerant hydrangeas need any special care?

Drought-tolerant hydrangeas require less water than other varieties but still need some moisture to thrive. Make sure to plant them in well-draining soil and water deeply once a week during the growing season.

2. Can I grow drought-tolerant hydrangeas in containers?

Yes, you can grow drought-tolerant hydrangeas in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate their roots and has good drainage.

3. How often should I fertilize my drought-tolerant hydrangeas?

Fertilize your drought-tolerant hydrangeas once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

4. What's the best time to prune my drought-tolerant hydrangeas?

Prune your drought-tolerant hydrangeas in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.

5. Can I plant drought-tolerant hydrangeas in areas with low rainfall?

Yes, drought-tolerant hydrangeas are adapted to dry conditions and can thrive in areas with low rainfall or frequent droughts.



Drought-tolerant hydrangeas are a great choice for gardeners looking to add some color and beauty to their landscape without worrying about watering them frequently. They offer several benefits over traditional varieties, including water conservation, low maintenance, and drought resistance. By following a few simple care tips, you can enjoy these beautiful plants in your garden year after year.