Growing Hydrangeas in Zone 9
While there are a few hot weather hydrangeas that can tolerate zone 9 gardens, it doesn’t usually just come down to temperature. Hydrangeas love water– that’s how they got their name. That means that if you live in a zone 9 that’s especially arid, you’re going to want to plant a hydrangea that’s especially drought tolerant. If you live in a moister part of zone 9, however, your options are much more open and really only restricted by temperature.
Popular Hydrangeas for Zone 9 Gardens
Oakleaf Hydrangea – If you live in an arid part of zone 9, such as California, the oakleaf hydrangea is a good choice. It has thick leaves that retain water well and help it get through periods of drought without having to be watered all the time. Climbing Hydrangea – A vining variety of the plant, climbing hydrangeas can grow to be 50 to 80 feet in length (15-24 m.). After the leaves drop in the fall, the peeling bark of the vine is good for winter interest. Smooth Hydrangea – A shrub that tends to reach 4 feet high by 4 feet wide (1 x 1 m.), smooth hydrangea produces huge clumps of flowers that can reach 1 foot in diameter (31 cm.). Bigleaf Hydrangea – Known especially for changing color with pH levels, bigleaf hydrangea shrubs bloom in the spring but will keep their flowers through the fall.
