Staking is a simple gardening technique that provides physical support to plant stems, preventing them from bending or flopping over. Hydrangeas often require this intervention because their large, dense flower heads, particularly mophead and smooth varieties (H. macrophylla and H. arborescens), become extremely heavy when soaked by rain. This added weight can cause stems to bow down to the soil, where blooms can become soiled and stems may break. Staking is a practical step for maintaining a tidy, upright shrub.
Determining the Need for Support
Not all hydrangeas require staking, but varieties known for dinner-plate-sized blooms should be monitored closely. Indicators that support is necessary include stems bending heavily after rain or a general sprawling habit as flowers develop. Observing a plant’s posture after a storm confirms the need for external structure to keep branches from reaching the ground.
The optimal time to install support is early in the growing season, before the plant reaches its full height and flowers have formed. Placing stakes or hoops when the shrub is smaller allows new growth to naturally grow up and through the structure, which helps conceal the supports. Waiting until the plant is already flopping risks damaging the stems and makes corralling the branches back into an upright position much more difficult.
Selecting Appropriate Staking Materials
The choice of material depends on the size and style of the hydrangea and the type of support needed. For individual stems that lean outward, a simple, slender stake made of bamboo or painted metal is often sufficient. The stake should be slightly shorter than the mature stem to prevent it from protruding above the foliage and blooms.
To provide comprehensive, all-around support, especially for younger or medium-sized shrubs, grow-through hoops or circular cages are excellent choices. These structures, sometimes repurposed from peony or tomato cages, are installed early to create a framework that the stems grow into. When securing stems to stakes, use soft, flexible tie materials to avoid girdling or cutting into the stem’s bark as it thickens. Thin wire or sharp string should be avoided.
- Jute twine
- Fabric strips
- Stretchy plant ties
Step-by-Step Installation Techniques
The installation method varies depending on whether you are supporting the entire shrub or just a few wayward stems. When using grow-through hoops or cages, anchor the structure into the soil early in the spring, centered over the developing shrub. Stems will emerge through the top ring, providing support around the entire circumference of the plant as the season progresses. This technique offers a natural look since the foliage usually hides the cage once the plant is fully leafed out.
For individual stems requiring dedicated support, drive a single stake into the ground adjacent to the stem. It is important to drive the stake outside the shrub’s immediate root ball area to prevent damage to the feeder roots. Plunge the stake firmly into the soil, generally six to twelve inches deep, to ensure it remains stable under the weight of a wet bloom.
The stem is secured to the stake using the figure-eight tying method, which prevents friction and allows for stem expansion. To create this tie, wrap the soft material once around the stake. Cross the material in the space between the stake and the plant stem to form the figure eight shape. Secure the tie gently around the stem with a knot, leaving a small loop of slack. This slack ensures the tie material does not rub against the stem or restrict its growth as the stem thickens.
Avoiding Damage and Post-Staking Care
Once stakes and ties are installed, ongoing maintenance is necessary to ensure the plant remains healthy. Regularly check the tension of all ties throughout the growing season, especially during periods of rapid growth or after heavy rains. If the stem has thickened significantly, the tie may need to be loosened or replaced to prevent girdling (digging into the bark).
Ensure the stem is not constantly rubbing against the stake, which can create an open wound susceptible to pests and diseases. While the figure-eight method minimizes this contact, adjustments may still be needed. As the plant enters dormancy, consider removing soft ties and stakes in late fall or winter. This prevents moisture accumulation against the stems and reduces the risk of winter damage or rot, particularly with organic support materials like bamboo.