Abstain from planting hydrangeas due to various reasons.
In the face of climate change, gardeners are being urged to adapt their gardening habits and choose plants that can withstand the changing weather conditions. Isabelle Van Groeningen, a horticulturist from the Royal Academy of Gardening, highlights the old-fashioned garden hydrangea as a plant that is struggling to cope with the effects of global warming.
Hydrangeas, known for their profuse blooms, are facing challenges in warmer climates due to their poor drought tolerance. These plants require frequent watering, about three times a week, and thrive best in zones 3 to 9. However, in hot, sunny, drought-prone areas, they may not be the ideal choice.
For gardens seeking alternatives that are more climate-resistant and drought-tolerant, several plants stand out. Bougainvillea, a fast-growing climber with vibrant, colorful, papery flowers, is one such option. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for hot, sunny, drought-prone areas.
Lantana, a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub producing clusters of bright flowers, is another excellent choice. It loves full sun and continues blooming all summer, attracting butterflies. Mandevilla, a tropical vine with large, trumpet-shaped flowers, is another option that prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is somewhat drought tolerant once established.
Spirea, a hardy shrub with prolific blooms, is also a good alternative. It grows well in full sun, tolerates drought, and requires less watering than hydrangeas. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) and Salvia, drought-tolerant perennials that bloom mid to late summer, are also worthy considerations.
Many garden enthusiasts are willing to put up with the care requirements of hydrangeas as long as they bloom profusely. However, the profuse blooming of hydrangeas might not be sustainable in the future due to climate change. Even locations under trees cannot compensate for the drought conditions, as the soil under trees is often too dry due to tree roots taking up most of the water.
In many gardens, the 'Annabell' variety of hydrangea produces small, brown, and withered blooms, a sign of the plant's struggle with heat and drought. This struggle is particularly evident in the east of Germany, such as in Berlin.
In contrast, the situation for hydrangeas in Schleswig-Holstein is less dire due to its more humid climate. Van Groeningen does not suggest a specific alternative, but implies that many hydrangeas can no longer cope with the new climate conditions.
Garden and ball hydrangeas are among the classics in the garden but are not particularly easy to care for. Van Groeningen expresses frustration at the sight of this, stating it is no longer enjoyable for gardeners. Shade under a tree provides little relief for hydrangeas, as trees give off moisture during the day but it's not enough to counteract the drought.
In addition to the plants mentioned above, Agastache, Yarrow, Lavender, Rosemary, and Sedum are other drought-tolerant options that perform well in hot, sunny, and dry conditions. These alternatives offer diverse flower shapes and colors while significantly reducing water needs compared to hydrangeas.
As we navigate the challenges of climate change, adapting our gardens to be more resilient is crucial. By choosing plants that are drought-tolerant and climate-resistant, we can ensure our gardens remain vibrant and beautiful even in the face of changing weather conditions.
Science and environmental science have been emphasizing the importance of choosing plants that can withstand climate-change effects in gardening. Bougainvillea, Lantana, Mandevilla, Spirea, Russian Sage, Salvia, Agastache, Yarrow, Lavender, and Rosemary are some climate-resistant and drought-tolerant alternatives to the old-fashioned garden hydrangea that thrives only in zones 3 to 9, as these plants can adapt to hot, sunny, and drought-prone areas. Adapting home-and-garden lifestyle with suitable plants helps create sustainable and resilient gardens in the face of climate change.
