Hydrangeas not deep enough

6 years ago

I planted several Limelights 10 days ago and have noticed that the holes are not deep enough! I can still see the top 2-3" of the shape of the pot. There had been soil to build up the area but it must have washed away with watering. I feel like I should make the holes deeper but am nervous that I will disrupt the roots which I assume are starting to grow. What are your thoughts?

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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

6 years ago

No need to dig up the plant and then plant it deeper.....too much root disruption at this time of year! And it is not a concern for plants to be planted high or with the rootball slightly above grade. In fact, that is far preferable than planting them too deeply.

You can add some soil to the area to mound up to the top of the rootball. But I'd just use a good mulch for this purpose. Less likely to wash away than just soil, will protect the exposed roots from drying out and add some nutrients as it breaks down and just generally help the soil surrounding the shrub to retain moisture.

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Comments (6)

Stephanie H
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you (again!)!!
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luis_pr
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Add some 2-4" of mulch up to the drip line or beyond, to protect the roots from temperatures extremes in the summer/winter and to make the water last longer.

Since they were planted just a few days ago, monitor them this summer in case they begin to wilt/droop when heat stressed. If the soil is moist enough, they will perk up at night but if they remain wilted in the morning, water them.

The one in the picture looks like it is ready to explode growing if you just give it the word "go"! ;o)) Hee, hee, hee! Good choice of plants! Enjoy.
Jenna Santarelli
4 years ago
Im confused someone else just told me thr hole needs to be twice as deep and as wide? will my hudrangeas be doomed?
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
Planting holes for trees and shrubs should be dug at least 2 times the width of the rootball but never deeper. In fact with heavy, soils planting high (like the OP described) and mounding soil or mulch up to the top of the rootball is preferred.
Jenna Santarelli
4 years ago
Yay thank you! woo hoo