5 Reasons to Pot This Plant

Here are 5 REASONS TO PLANT HYDRANGEAS IN CONTAINERS vs. in the ground! I’m doing it this year primarily to save those precious flower buds from late frosts, but also because I like to have options in the garden, don’t you?! Do you have more reasons to add to the list?
Osmocote: amzn.to/3ecEOmv
Aluminum Sulfate: amzn.to/3gkV7QQ
BLUE COLOR: Add aluminum sulfate, at a rate of 1 tbsp. to 1 gallon water, to neutral soil to create bluish-purple blooms
Mathilda Gutges Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mathilda Gutges') at New Garden Landscaping & Nursery Thumbnail
Mathilda Gutges Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mathilda Gutges'
Height: 5 feet
Spread: 5 feet
Sunlight: full sun partial shade
Hardiness Zone: 5b
Other Names: French Hydrangea, Bigleaf Hydrangea
A dazzling long-season bloomer featuring a plethora of enormous mopheaded balls of flowers in colors ranging from blue and pink to purple, often all three at the same time, color blend depends on soil pH
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[@sherrisclafani9702]

The blues in white baskets are stunning💜

[@colsen4616]

Keeping hydrangeas blue is my #1 reason for planting in a container. It’s so much easier to control the ph! I grow my acid-loving blueberries in containers also.

[@luciannedemarco6296]

How often do you add the aluminum sulfate to the pots (throughout the summer)?

[@colsen4616]

@@luciannedemarco6296 I use Espoma soil acidifier and follow the package directions. It depends on how big the plant is and what color blue you’re shooting for. This is only my third year, so I’m still learning. I do know that they will be pink if I don’t amend the potting mix.

[@luciannedemarco6296]

@@colsen4616 Thanks so much for sharing your info. I just ordered the acidifier Linda recommended. We'll see how it goes/grows :)

[@SharonWalshDutch]

So funny I grew up with acidic soil. So the first time I saw a pink hydrangea I was blown away. I think it’s funny that everyone wants them blue- while I think- that’s all i get haha!

[@lovemesomepoptarts6787]

That's good to know!

[@JD-qf6zl]

Reason no. 6: When hydrangeas lose their leaves in the fall you have an unsightly bunch of sticks. Move them to a far corner of your yard where they are not front and center until they start leafing out in the spring. Then bring them back for their close-up!

[@rdarrett3635]

Agree!

[@TinyFreya59]

Cut them back to the ground level once they lose their leaves and they come back “fluffier” the next spring.

[@johnsonDonna]

Not for colder Zones. They must go in a garage during winter.... also bad advice to just cut or prune-it depends on what type it is. You could be cutting next years blooms.

[@colleenmercer3408]

Love reason no. 6!!! And know your hydrangea type before pruning anything!! Unbeknownst to me, I’ve robbed myself of flowers for the last two summers because I cut that wood off. Turns out, my type of hydrangea blooms on that old wood. Learned my lesson and a lot more about this beautiful shrub. Research is key!

[@vietriks]

​@@TinyFreya59 and the whole next year , your hydrangea , will be without flowers ....

[@RuthMTuff]

My most prized plant is a spectacular blue hydrangea that I planted from a gallon pot many years ago. I never have to do anything but keep it hydrated--it apparently is very happy with the Oregon clay soil provided with a bit of ammending annually. When we had "historic winds" in September and as the fires spread, a giant tree split off several huge branches that fell on my shed as well as my roof and yard. What a colossal mess. But I pleaded with various workers to try to protect my hydrangea, and they did!! It is old wood now but still performing. Not sure if I should prune it hard this year, but I am a proud hydrangea momma. I'm going to take a pink one out of the ground that isn't as hardy and try your pot idea. Thanks as always, Linda. We love you!!

[@angr3819]

If you prune hard you cut off the buds and unlike Bush fuschia the plant will struggle to regrow. Best prune below the dead blooms but above the next bud down. Bunny McGuiness recently made a good video on them and the different types. Not to undermine the lady who makes these videos. It's a good idea to learn a bit from different people and find what works for your garden and climate.

[@maryannroupas7169]

May be a viable option for those of us who have herds of deer eating our plants in the ground. Now we can have them on our deck.

[@jackiezerres3753]

Some of my reasons for planting in pots: to fill empty spots in my garden; to hide my sewer cover (or any ugly permanent object; and when I can't dig an area because of tree roots. Love the color of the hydrangeas against the white baskets so pretty.

[@dulceportillo4061]

Beautiful blue hydrangeas and the baskets are gorgeous

[@julieboatner1898]

Those blue hydrangeas are spectacular. Tks for tips on how to grow them in pot. Can't wait to buy your products on QVC.

[@craig9843]

One of my favorites. Something about the blues that I love. So lovely.

[@bolawhaley3725]

My heart just stopped when I heard QVC line! Way to go Linda! I am so proud of you

[@joytoyouandme4593]

I planted blue hydrangeas in 2002 to use the blooms in my daughters wedding. They are so beautiful, with purple and blue blooms. I also have a white hydrangea that is over 25 years old. They are all huge and I love when they bloom. I have some baby hydrangeas, I think I’ll put them in pots for variety on my patio and deck.

[@babynieve9612]

Beautiful 😍

[@TwinsationalRS]

Brilliant idea!!!! Heading out to get some today.

[@shirleyhelms1105]

Never seen them this Color,only in a Blue Variety.These as Stunning.!

[@Carolina.S.N.Gaviota]

I totally agree! I had a couple of them that couldn't make it because they were planted on the ground. I was able to keep one in a pot and started moving it around until I found the prefect location. Remember to feed them☝

[@kylieky9169]

Love the color and the baskets so much!

[@bonniescheufele4037]

Hydrangeas are my favorite shrub. They are so happy in Oregon, lots of rain! We are planting them along our property line to make a lovely living fence between us and the neighbors. I am hoping to have one color for the fence line, but my husband is a wild and crazy guy and he wants a variety of colors for that specific space. I have a blue lacecaps, white climbing, and mopheads planted around the patio, but I want one solid color along the property line. The lime lights flanking our front walkway are in pots and have been for several years. They require lots of attention in the hottest summer days, but the rest of the year they are just dandy. Thank you for the tips. Looking forward to your line on QVC. Congratulations.

[@fannieallen6005]

Thanks. Love the baskets.

[@frenchweewee4444]

Great idea as I wanted to keep the color of the hydrangea from changing. Had 2 hydrangeas that needed to be planted. Ordered 2 baskets & I love the idea of being able to move them with the handles on the baskets.

[@lauradaniel7596]

Thanks Stewart for taking one for the team! Workers comp. case. Heehee

[@melissatran338]

Love those beautiful blue hydrangeas. I'm a Boxwood addict as well. Thank you for the tips

[@AquarianSnflower]

Hi! I just stopped by Lowes here in Colunbus, Ohio and I saw your new line of Augers! Love that they are different colors by size! And those Hydrangeas are Awesome!

[@TheLittleBlueFly]

This is a wonderful video! Flexibility has always been key for myself when planting these beauties. We were renters for many years so planting in pots was a must. I love love love the Osmocote! Wonderful video! Have a beautiful day!💜🪴💜

[@jawja100]

OSMOCOTE!! YESSSS!

[@zaria5785]

What size hydrangeas did you plant in what size pots? I would love to grow these in my small apartment.

[@audreysweeney5338]

Excellent video. I think I will plant more mop heads in pots to save myself from too much heart break! Thanks 👍

[@paulag.panzermd8239]

Thanks for this episode. For me the most compelling reason is soil Ph control.

[@rhus36]

Such a great idea! The biggest reason for my gardening area (central plains) would be soil quality. Our soils are almost pure clay and extremely basic, I’d never thought to grow hydrangeas in containers but it would take care of both of these problems. Thanks!

[@ryanhenry8418]

Wow, love the baskets...can't wait to see about this QVC line! Also - funny to hear your hydrangea blooms also come out that mottled purpleish...I knew exactly what you meant because mine do too here in The Village! I personally love it.

[@Dargyful]

Love your jumper ! Stunning against the hydrangeas ! Great video

[@leeannmillet8215]

LOVE the baskets.

[@kathilenegartung6662]

Love this!

[@cbb_creationsceciliabaca775]

It’s my favorite flower and I can’t grow them where I live. Thank you for sharing🤍

[@Jenny-rt4tf]

I have 6 in pots, I love them! Love that I can move them around!

[@decembersidderwhite7437]

I have those same ones , I was told it would only last this season 😢 glad to know I can try to protect them and hope for blooms next season. 🎉

[@catherineteel4109]

Great video! Love blue hydrangeas! 💕

[@yvonneattard7415]

Great idea here in Ontario I haven’t had any luck but will try again this yr thank you for sharing

[@joedean2338]

HYDRANGEAS !!! I really hope I get more into my landscape even though I have well over a dozen 😆!!! ,pots are a great idea 💡 :)

[@magnifikris]

I have about a dozen and can't seem to get enough! Love, love, love them.

[@sharonwebb945]

You can never have too many hydrangeas ...sigh... such beauty 😍😁😁😁 yes move to pots when there’s not a scrap of earth left in your yard.

[@anitahadley2871]

I hope you will have a lot of those baskets in stock because I predict them flying off the shelves!

[@edstud1]

Wonderful video, Linda, you are so amazing!

[@cinziadeluca5074]

Love the basket range!

[@michaliareeton3247]

Hi Linda l great great advice on hydrangea in pots. I love beautiful colour hydrangea you have. In pots l just love your basket. I love hydrangea and they do look so beautiful in pots. Oh poor Stewart.

[@ellepienews6249]

A lot of fun! Thank you 🙏. I think many new varieties of hydrangeas do bloom on new (& old wood)?? The Matilda variety certainly do look beautiful against some of your lime green foliage. Stunning. 💚💜💙💜💚

[@myriamvargas8438]

I love the colours!!💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@lisatague305]

I find them difficult to grow where I live , I’m going to try this . They are my favorite flower of all time and if I can move them better for them and better for me . Thank you so much .

[@abtsamroobe9633]

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful video with us

[@romiehutson5230]

I’ve never seen so many beautiful hydrangea than when I went to Seattle. Locals thank the pine needles for their large blue flowers

[@cindyannefontenot]

Beautiful!!

[@doloresramirez3289]

Hey Ms pretty Linda. Hope you and Stewart are dosing well. I love hydrangeas. I was never sure if they would grow where i live. This is a brilliant idea to pot them. I am going to try a couple. Thanks.❤🙏

[@richiwheeler6255]

Beautiful I love those baskets ♡♡

[@edwardandjessicawalsh9792]

I am so in love with hydrangeas but I rent and I am not going to buy a beautiful hydrangea just to plant it here and then leave in the next year or two without it🤣🤣 so I’m gunna try to plant them in pots and then transplant when we buy our home!

[@persephonespomegranate]

You may be interested in checking out the channel Garden Obsessions. Absolutely no affiliation - I’ve actually just found them yesterday & have only watched 2 of their videos so far - but they are a military family who moves every few years and so they’ve built an entire garden in containers. It’s very cool.

[@RealBradMiller]

I have been a rented my whole life and grown entire gardens, and left very little! Now though, I am planting to get results, and the cuttings if need be. Luckily I have a landlord that has tons of wild land, with only one house across the way, so me making it look nice is a super duper plus.

[@VivSees]

You will be so happy that you did. They’ll be beautiful as you’re growing them and they’ll be healthy and bigger when you move. Nothing lost. Everything gained.

[@VivSees]

@@RealBradMillerSame! Cool landlord, plenty unused outdoor spaces. I’ve got it with 90% containers, looks fabulous, happy landlord, happy me.

[@nitahiltner9560]

My favv but I struggle with them in the ground and I only have one now, so I will try this.

[@jackiesplanthaven]

Those baskets are beautiful!

[@LindaVater]

Thank you! 😊

[@keniakennedy9016]

I love those baskets, I’ve never seen anything like those in stores......can’t wait to shop your line on QVC!

[@kylieky9169]

Signature Garden Touches by Linda Vater on QVC. The show is currently rescheduled for 5/20/21 but date may change as QVC is waiting for inventory.

[@bernadette1510]

Lovely!💗

[@suzetteccc]

Favourite plant - Making them blue is way easier than making them pink. Up here on the "wet coast" the soil is super acidic even the ones I buy pink in pots are blue the next year. I managed to get my hands on two genetically pink ones that I baby.

[@martivasiliades8407]

You’ve come a long way, baby !!

[@GardenDoodles]

Thank you. Reason #6 could be that it is also much easier to control the ph of the container potting soil without affecting nearby plants.

[@lurveit]

I love my hydrangeas 😊🌸

[@sweetengland99]

I enjoy your videos thank you so much!🌸🐞

[@Probity100]

My favourite channel ! Love from England, UK from a hydrangea lover. Mine are in a container and have turned blue with just aluminium foil and a couple or iron nails in the container. Love , LOVE the baskets but cost a fortune to ship to the UK :(

[@lynnlynne2209]

Thank you 🙏🏻♥️♥️♥️

[@sahabshraddha8453]

Gorgeous 🌱🥀🥀hydragenusss❤️🌸🌸🌸🍀🍀🍀🍀

[@tumbleweed57]

Hydrangeas have always been top of my list. Remember their role in “It’s a Wonderful Life”? I wanted to ask what type of white blossom bush/shrub is that in the opening segment for the #1 reason? That looks lovely with the blue hydrangeas. Also. Please be sure QVC has plenty of those baskets as you KNOW the Insiders will likely buy most of them! I want several! (VBozeman)

[@dawnmitchell11]

You are a beautifully talented artist! What a smart choice to use an orange sweater against your blue hydrangea and that chartreuse of the barberry! ♥️ Those baskets set off the hydrangea so beautifully! That salvia has such beautiful foliage too! I have only had luck with hydrangea in pots down here in my central Texas area, as our soil is SO alkaline. ☹️ It has been a learning process with them for sure! 😄 Blue is my favorite color and is nearly impossible to have here, so I shoot for purple shades instead. 😄

[@sharonwebb945]

I totally agree! She looks stunning in that colour sweater with the hydrangeas and other plants!

[@patriciareed3510]

Barberry! I notice the beautiful contrast too, but couldn’t think of the plants name, so thank you!

[@dianegentry3255]

Another reason is you can easily put it on your patio away from annoying deer!!! Love your containers. Will check them out on QVC.

[@kylieky9169]

Signature Garden Touches by Linda Vater on QVC. The show is currently rescheduled for 5/20/21 but date may change as QVC is waiting for inventory.

[@bridgetulrich1711]

Aldis is selling hydrangeas at a phenomenal price next week in their Aldis finds section - pink and blue - for 12/each. I plan to get a few

[@debbiechaille6535]

I bought some!!

[@rtgweightwellness7633]

I bought some I want to plant in container I hope it survives

[@carolcline2830]

I got a pink from aldi's ($12) and a blue from Earl Mays ($55). The aldi plant is blooming like crazy but the expensive one drained to white.

[@sugarsnap1000]

I bought some from Aldi too in Dublin Ireland about month ago, it’s doing great and was about 8euro 😀😊😀

[@juliebond2384]

@@sugarsnap1000 I’m in Dublin too. I get them at Aldi and also IKEA. IKEA has a 3 for 2 deal on all living plants going on at the moment till the 27th March and I got 3 hydrangeas for €16 last week.😊

[@sheryllawson4868]

My mom still lives in my grandma and grandpa's home she inherited it and when I was little I always picked they big white and green hydrangea's from the bush they had; The bush is still there 70yrs later it is huge and puts off beautiful blooms. It is truly amazing and I love it so much

[@pinkfrangipani5131]

Wow. Shows the resilience of the plant.

[@apiecemaker1163]

Awww maybe you will live there one day yourself and have all those childhood and adulthood memories all around you. So little of that left. My family moved so much that we don’t have any kind of established homestead. Treasure it.❤️ 🏡 My husband and I now have a home so hopefully my children and grandchildren will have that also.

[@noracoolen2167]

Thank you🤗

[@marcusseidel6824]

Very nice. I can't get enough blue ... Another reason ... In pots you can have them side by side in the different colours ...rather than in the full ground. Thank you. Kind regards, Marcus

[@mimirubino9822]

s

[@joywhitley3141]

Awwww, poor Stewart! You’re getting injured in the line of duty....Purple Heart?💜

[@razvanmihai3805]

Hi Linda !! I love those hydrangeas, but I don’t have room to plant some , also they don’t really thrive in my garden ! But these are gorgeous 😆💝

[@bridgetulrich1711]

I just got these baskets and I plan to put hydrangeas in them

[@angr3819]

Thank you

[@marythomson3229]

I transplanted a big leaf Hydrangea about a month ago and it never stressed from the move. I just realized I have put it in a full sun location. I’m new at this and really worried. There are no popped buds yet but it’s about half way leafed out. Should I move it now or mulch well and see how it does. I’m in zone 7b and worried. Love your channel and thank you so much. 🌺

[@bkaur1754]

Thank you so much love your video!! I just bought light pink, white, dark pink and purple hydrangeas I don’t understand what I need to do so they can stay the same colors. I don’t want them in The ground because our soil is very acidic but will leave them in the pots. What can I use to keep the true colors pink white dark pink so they don’t turn blue. All answers are welcome. Please help and also what kind of soil can I use ?

[@lyndaschilbe9079]

Love your videos Linda, thank you so much for all your valuable tips. I live in Canada, will your baskets be available for shipping to Canada as well?

[@barbarawilliams834]

hi Linda! great video. all 3 of my endless summer hydrangeas are in containers. this is the 3rd year and they are doing wonderfully 💗 all the reasons you stated is why I potted them!!

[@diannescamera6496]

How big do your hydrangeas grow when you keep them in a pot?

[@barbarawilliams834]

@@diannescamera6496 they grow quite large. I will definitely need to plant them in the ground next spring. I've had the containers in the garage because of the recent April snow and they are growing vigorously. I will move the containers in the garden now that Temps are rising. hope this helps!

[@edwardgyu7990]

Hello hello, do you move them inside during winter? I'm wondering if I could grow them inside just whole year round? Or do they have to take winter breaks? Lol

[@PlanetTango]

Hi I got two of your largest baskets from QVC. Love them! I got the gray ones. Great color! I wish they were a bit taller so the pot wouldn’t show. Hoping my hydrangea grows enough to camouflage this. I planted Endless Summer from Southern Living. Love your videos. 💙🦋💙

[@LindaVater]

I’m so glad! I planted two of the largest ones, and everything in them grow enough so that now the pot is completely obscured. I bet your hydrangea does the same!

[@PlanetTango]

@@LindaVater Thanks for your reply. Also....I live on the Gulf Coast. Hot, humid, with sandy soil. I’ve planted climbing roses in my front yard along the picket fence. I’d like to plant a perennial ground cover there that will withstand the hot Mississippi summer. Any ideas? I thought of Rosemary, but would live something low and creeping along. Thanks!!!!

[@balaji.viswanathan]

Great video. I am zone 6a, currently i got my plant in ground and not much luck with flowering. Planning to move this plant to large container and may store in shed during winter. Question - how many years these plant can survive in container? do I need to change the whole potting soil mix every year?

[@LittleRapGuy]

great video

[@LittleRapGuy]

You're so beautiful.... :0

[@happyvegan9982]

Hi Linda , Your garden is beautiful, You answer all of our questions so well, and we strive to do as well as you , There is one question I would like for you to answer is about your faux grass, could you give us a little info on that ? Where did you purchase it ? and what is the "life" expectancy, I would love to have your thoughts about that wonderful grass,

[@sandifigueroa6914]

At my home in Portland Oregon I had the most wonderful hydrangea that was blue in Spring and it’s second season in fall the blooms were a deep burgundy! Don’t ask me how this happened but...💕💕💕

[@mayqiu2199]

Hi Linda, thanks for sharing those beautiful hydrangeas. Just wondering where we can get those water proof containers? Thanks

[@brendagraybeal2543]

I had a tree removed and am concerned about the sun here in our Florida sun. Can I dig them up and pot them and hope they bloom?

[@LULC0759]

Love this idea...would it be ok to plant it in the landscape at Fall?

[@lovelymommy2477]

I want to plant them but not in a pot. I had some growing in the ground in my backyard but I had them removed cause I wanted more room in the backyard. I want to plant them in the front yard. In my area GA we get more rain then sun. I do plan on using a few containers by my front door but I really would love them planted under this tree where a flower bed always already created.

[@amandadearborn6871]

Woo hoo! Love those baskets! Linda when will they be available for purchase? Not on QVC yet.

[@charlynnekovach6919]

Because I live in zone 6b, I would like to know about putting them in “a garage” over winter-do they need some light and water? Or can they be “ignored” until spring?

[@dollycaldwell4938]

i would be interested in knowing this also...iam in zone 8

[@SharonWalshDutch]

As I understand it, you just give them a little drink every couple weeks. Don’t make them too wet- especially if your garage isn’t weather controlled. You don’t want them to freeze. Just not dry out. They won’t need sun because it’s the leaves that photosynthesize.

[@barbaramccarney1445]

I thought you were going to show how to pot them? I know it’s probably easy peasy for most people but I would really like to to be sure of what I’m doing if I’m investing this much money in plants. Thanks for understanding.

[@merithatoston9353]

She does show us how :)

[@luciannedemarco6296]

Sorry, one more question: how often do you add the aluminum sulfate to the pots (throughout the summer)?

[@lisagirdeman2613]

Linda love your baskets. Do they come in natural basket color?

[@audreysweeney5338]

They are beautiful flowers. My favorite, but mop heads are hard to grow for me where natives are much easier.

[@luciannedemarco6296]

How do you keep the stems from flopping? Mine are already flopped over.

[@lifeisbutifull322]

Beautiful!!! Do you have to water them in winter?

[@retrol703]

Hi Linda, I live around the OKC metro as well! We are getting a freeze tonight.... How are you taking care of your plants? I am still new to gardening. Any help would be appreciated!

[@chrisscasserra1181]

I know this has nothing to do with hydrangeas but I would love to see a video about mulch. I know you said you use hapi-gro but do you use it as mulch? Or just mix it in with your mulch?

[@sandybartlett7828]

Linda, I ❤️ the baskets. When will they be available on QVC? I’ve been checking but I don’t see them yet. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home.

[@kylieky9169]

Currently scheduled for 5/20/21 but date may change as they QVC is waiting for inventory

[@summer._._.1988]

Beautiful, simply beautiful. You mentioned to get "good potting soil" l asked a number of different nursery where to get a good potting soil and they had no idea. Can you please tell us about this. Your garden is amazing. 💐 😊 Thank you for sharing this superb idea. 😊

[@LindaVater]

I can get good potting soil from a local nursery. It is their own mix. My recommendation is to try several commercial brands and really pay attention to which ones work for you. I think nearly all of them are heavy and I like to add perlite or vermiculite to them.

[@summer._._.1988]

@@LindaVater thank you for reply, I will ask different nurseries. 😊

[@jessicaobrien9560]

Will they live all winter in pots under a covered patio mulched up real well?

[@susie2366]

I love your outdoor baskets! I've been searching, but there's no link and QVC doesn't appear to have them yet. Do you know when they'll be available?

[@kylieky9169]

Currently scheduled for 5/20/21 but date may change as they QVC is waiting for inventory

[@colleenjohnson4116]

In the very beginning of this video, there is a flowering bush next to the hydrangeas. Could you please tell me the name of that beautiful bush.

[@Esil1014]

Can the potted hydrangeas be transferred to the ground later?