Gardening and Horticulture - Growing a hydranga outdoors

My wife received a hydranga from one of her students this week. It is in a small indoor pot. I know they need shade. How much and where do they like to grow. Would a larger outdoor pot do well or can I plant them in the ground? I live in huntington beach california so freezing is not really an issue.

Thanks for the help in advance.

After consulting the household hydranga expert, she advises by all means put them in the ground, we are in florida , she recommends planting in the shade as well, if there is a spot that is naturally wetter {wetter is better}. also she says if you can, stay away from areas where animals have been kept tied up...

hope this helps

Avoid heavy shade. Either dappled sun or morning sun with afternoon shade is preferred. Hydrangeas like moist soil, but no wet soil. So, not too much shade and not too much moisture.

http://www.vintagegardens.com/hydro_care.html

Would it be better to put it in a larger pot or in the ground. I'm leaning with the pot because at different times of the year sun placemnet is different. Also, how large do they get and how much space should i allow for their growth.

Thanks again

Hydrangeas are potted to force bloom for special holidays like Mother's Day. These plants are grown under conditions that may or may not make them garden hardy. This is not to say that many green thumbs have had success with the hydrangea potted gifts in areas where hardy.

Hydrangeas tend to be large plants that fair better in the landscape. Hydrangeas do best where they get morning sun and afternoon shade during growing season. Plants also prefer protected area where not exposed to high wind. Hydrangea will grow in many soil types. Hydrangea prefers moist soil, not overly wet. pH level of soil will affect bloom color. If planting in landscape you need a hole at least 24" wider than root ball.

If you grow hydrangea in pots, you will need to increase size of pot as plant grows and be in constant monitoring of moisture. Potted plants tend to require more frequent watering. Keep in mind that as plants increase in size and so does the pot, moving the plant becomes more challenging. Hydrangea can grow to be very large. IMO it's best to plant hydrangeas in the landscape.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Hydrangea-Care---Guide-to-Huge,-Colorful-Blooms&id=750517

http://ezinearticles.com/?Hydrangea-Care---Guide-to-Huge,-Colorful-Blooms&id=750517

http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/planting_fert.html