Stop Planting Hydrangeas: Gardeners Are Urging People To Choose Alternatives And Here's Why

Hydrangeas are landscape classics thanks to their big, bold blooms. Unfortunately, more and more gardeners are finding themselves struggling with these stunning shrubs. This is because, for all their beauty, hydrangeas need moderate temperatures and frequent watering to thrive ... conditions that are becoming more challenging to provide due to climate change. Hydrangeas are also especially vulnerable to damage due to fluctuating temperatures during winter months. All these issues are pushing gardeners in many regions to consider other flowering shrubs and plants over finicky hydrangeas.

While we often think of the lowest temperatures they'll be subjected to when deciding what plants can thrive in which zones, with hydrangeas, it's also important to consider the highest temperatures they're likely to experience. Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) have an especially narrow range where they can flourish. Not only are they only hardy down to USDA hardiness zone 6, but they also struggle with summer temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Even worse, they need almost constant watering – a major frustration as the importance of water-wise gardening and xeriscaping become better appreciated. While opting to plant slightly hardier species like panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) and avoiding container gardening for your hydrangeas are options if you truly adore these shrubs, many gardens are instead deciding to turn their attention to more heat-tolerant and easy to grow hydrangea alternatives.

If you're looking for stunning blooms to replace your hydrangeas, consider opting for a crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.). Not only are these shrubs beautiful, but they're also heat and drought tolerant. While many crepe myrtle varieties are on the larger size, smaller cultivars like 'Chicksaw' and 'Pokomoke' are also available and seldom grow past 3 feet. Hardy in zones 6 through 9, crepe myrtles are perfect for bringing big blooms to sunny spots. 

While people often think more about curlyleaf yucca's (Yucca filamentosa) unique leaves than they do about its blooms, this shrub has surprisingly stunning flowers too. And as a North American native that's hardy in zones 4 through 10, it can grow in a surprisingly large range of climates. In addition to being heat and drought tolerant, it's also rarely bothered by deer or rabbits, allowing it to thrive where many other plants struggle. With a size that can reach around 8 feet tall by 5 feet wide, it's perfect for adding interest to sun and part sun landscapes.

Another heat and drought tolerant flowering plant to consider is the 'Autumn Joy' sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile 'Autumn Joy'). This stunning plant boasts colorful blooms in late summer and is hardy in zones 3 through 10, making it a versatile option. As long as they gets enough sun and isn't overwatered, 'Autumn Joy' sedums are an ideal way to ensure your garden is full of color even during the hottest and driest parts of the year.