Fire Light® Hydrangea Tree for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Planting and Care

by Mary Van Keuren | Gardener (30+ Years Experience) – last update on December 20, 2022

Planting instructions

For northern gardeners, site your Fire Light® Hydrangea Tree where it will receive six or more hours of sunlight a day; southern gardeners in zone eight should place the tree where it will have some afternoon shade. Unpot your sapling and tease out any encircling roots, which can wrap around the root ball and slowly kill the tree. Dig a hole that’s as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the tree in the hole, spacing out the roots. Holding it upright and steady, fill in around the roots with topsoil, tamping down as you go to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly. Apply a two to three-inch layer of organic mulch such as bark chips around the root zone to conserve moisture and hinder weed growth but keep it from touching the trunk to avoid problems with rot.

Watering and nutrients

Water your Fire Light® Hydrangea Tree about once a week, giving it an inch of water each time. When you experience very hot or dry weather, increase watering to several times a week. If you’re not sure whether it needs water, check the soil two inches below the surface. If it’s dry, give your tree a drink. Fertilize your hydrangea in early spring with a slow-release, balanced product designed for woody trees and shrubs, such as a rose fertilizer high in phosphorus to encourage blooming.

Pollination

Hydrangeas are monoecious, which means that a single tree has both male and female reproductive organs. With its bright flowers, the Fire Light® Hydrangea Tree is attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, who may visit it when it’s in bloom.

Pruning

If you wish to prune your tree to shape it, do so in late winter before new growth begins. The tree flowers on new wood; so, winter pruning won’t eliminate any buds. In addition, monitor the tree for dead, diseased or damaged limbs, and trim these out whenever you see them.

Pests, diseases and animals

This hydrangea has few pest or disease problems. Common insect pests such as aphids or spider mites may appear on your tree, but if it is healthy, it should have no difficulty fending off infestation. The only disease you might see is powdery mildew, which is common in humid regions. A general fungicide can help and be sure to clear any fallen leaf litter or debris from around the base of the tree.

Achieving maximum results

One way to achieve maximum results with the Fire Light® Hydrangea Tree is to consider using it as a potted plant. In an appropriate-sized container, it can shine — imagine a matched set flanking your front doorway, for example. Choose a container that is roughly twice the size of the root ball, with good drainage holes. Using a good-quality potting mix, plant as per our directions above. Keep in mind that container-grown plants tend to need more regular watering than those in the ground. Every few years, unpot the tree and refresh the soil, trimming back roots lightly if necessary.

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