Shooting star hydrangea

32 Comments

1. Kris - October 3, 2008 at 7:35 am

   Zone 10 in July – can I put a shooting star hydrangea outside? If so, what are the optimum conditions for givng it the best chance of thriving?

   “Shooting Star” hydrangea is hardy zone 7-9. The climate may be too hot for a hydrangea to thrive. Plant it in the shade where cooler temperatures prevail (cool microclimate) and keep it well watered in the hot summer. The other option is to plant it in a container and move it to a cooler environment when it gets really hot. Observe your plant and see how it responds to different sites. If this was a potted gift hydrangea, much of their energy was used to force large flowers , therefore may not grow well when planted outdoors. Some consider it a short term decor plant.

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2. Kris - October 3, 2008 at 7:38 am

   I have a Shooting Star Hydrangea and I need to know if it is a hardy perennial that I can plant outside. I live in Ohio, and some winters get very cold. Thank You!

   Hi
   Lace Cap Hydrangea “Shooting Star” belongs to H. macrophylla species. It is hardy to zone 7 ( O degrees F). The best you can do is to plant it in a container, leave it outdoors for the summer (morning sun/aft. shade) and then bring it indoors/garage for the winter.

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3. Kris - October 3, 2008 at 7:41 am

   Patti ( pattijomcd@insightbb.com / )
   I bought a hydrangea plant in a Publix grocery store in Florida. It was called Shooting Star Lacecap white flowers with side shooting white starlike blooms around the edge. I brought it home to Illinois, potted it in a larger pot. It has round white powdery spots on the leaves, maybe mildew? The pics of powdery mildew I’ve seen dust the whole leaf. These are spots on top of leaf between 1/4 and 3/8 inch in diameter. I bought the only plant that didn’t have a tag on it, dang it.

   Lacecap hydrangea is not hardy in Illinois and should be grown as a container plant. Powdery mildew starts as spots and then the mycelium sends out threadlike organs that eventually spread and cover the leaf.

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4. Kris - October 3, 2008 at 7:47 am

   I bought an expensive shooting star hydrangea. it was rootbound, so transplanted. i think that i may have overwatered, so i replanted again. still has some previos flowers but the buds have all turned brown. please help. my husbands fav and think i ruined it thank you i advance

   Give your hydrangea time to recover from transplanting. Let it dry out between watering. It is best not to transplant when the plant is in bloom or producing blooms. Better to wait till it is done blooming before disturbing the plant. The buds have turned brown because the plant is stressed out and can now longer support the flowers.

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5. Jesse Hilton - October 28, 2008 at 6:52 pm

   I have a shooting Star Hyrangea. I live in the costal south, some 35 miles northwest of Savannah Georgia. I don’t know my zone, but need to know if it will survive the heat here. Thank you.

   Hi Jesse
   Shooting Star Hydrangea is hardy in zone 7-9. You are in zone 8/9, it should do well in GA. Just make sure you plant it in a semi-shaded area to help keep it cool during the hot summer.

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6. Melanie - November 26, 2008 at 10:09 am

   I have a shooting star hydrangea, but cannot get it to bloom again. It was in full bloom when I bought it last year, but since then – nothing. Leaves are still very healthy. It is indoors to guard against the cold. Any info would be helpful!!

   Hi Melanie
   If you bought a blooming shooting star last year at this time (Nov.) then it was forced to bloom in the greenhouse. It most likely is going to grow as all other hydrangeas and bloom in early summer. I have a potted lacecap hydrangea that I left dormant for the winter. It lost all its leaves and I kept it dry and cool. It leafed out nicely in spring and then to my surprise started to bloom. I enjoyed the flowers for several months. I’m not sure what your plant will do. Your plant may also need a dormant period in order to rebloom.

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7. Andrea - January 11, 2009 at 11:47 am

   I live in Michigan. I bought a shooting star Aug 2008. It was beautiful for a long time. then I let it get too dry. The blooms turned brown, so I picked them all off. the leaves looked okay. I’ve been watering regularly, but now the leaves are turning yellow. I have new growth at the botton that looks very healthy. Not sure what to do with it. Does it need to be cut back, or put in a bigger pot? It’s inside all the time, I do move it around the house once or twice a week so it can get better light coming through the windows. Any help would be great, I don’t want to lose it.

   Hi Andrea
   Your shooting star hydrangea is going semi-dormant. It’s trying to rest before a new growing season starts. Let the leaves drop and you will be left with bare stems and buds along the stem. These buds will produce new growth in spring. Keep it in a cooler area(basement) and reduce watering-keeping the soil from completely drying out. In spring, trim back the stems, if they are dried up/dead , otherwise leave the plant as is and repot it into a larger container if necessary.

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8. Wanda Engebretson - March 30, 2009 at 7:53 am

   I have a Shooting Star hydrangea that the blooms have all turned brown, but it is still shooting blossoms out. How do I prune the dead ones and how far down do I dare to cut them back without damaging the plant. The leaves are still green and new shoots are coming in from the bottom. Its in the house all the time.

   Hi Wanda
   You can cut off the dead flowers and then some. The further down you cut the shorter and more compact the plant will be.You don’t mention how tall the shooting star is. If necessary, you could cut it back by 1/3 at the most. It will send new growth from previous (mature wood) growth on lateral (side) shoots. Larger flowers are produced at the terminal (tip) of the stems. So, if you want larger flowers, trim off the dead flowers just under the base of the flower to leave the terminal bud.

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9. Judi Bryant - May 25, 2009 at 2:59 pm

   I live in Boone NC and received a Shooting Star Hydrangea last Christmas. I want to plant it outside. If I do so in a protected area that gets morning sun and is shady in the afternoon; is that a good location for it. Also, is it deciduous? Will it be bothered if we have snow in the winter that collects on it?

   HI Judi
   Boone, NC hardy zone is 6a-7a. It should be fine in a protected area with morning sun, afternoon shade. It will drop its leaves in winter and tolerate snow accumulation.

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10. Jamie Fisher - June 15, 2009 at 3:30 pm

    Hi
    I live on the gulf coast and my Shooting Star Hydrangea is in a flower pot and doing great!

    What I would like to know is how do I take cuttings and make new plants?
    Thank you

    Some plants have patents on their cultivar and prohibit asexual propagation. I’m not sure about “Shooting Star” hydrangea. See propagating hydrangea for taking cuttings.

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11. Linda C - June 27, 2009 at 3:03 pm

    My husband just received a shooting star hydrangea for father’s day. We placed it outside on our patio, sun in the am and shade in the afternoon. If I bring it in this winter and place it in the basement (no windows), do I still water it, or should I move it to a room with some light? Thank you.

    HI Linda
    When temperatures get colder and the plant leaves start to turn brown and drop, then bring it in and place in the basement. Keep it in a dormant stage just moist enough to keep the roots from drying out. Water once a month. If in a room with light, it will continue to grow and produce spindly growth. Hydrangeas need a cool, dormant(resting) period. Shooting star cannot tolerate below freezing temps.

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12. Jenn - December 13, 2009 at 1:35 pm

    I just received a shooting star hydrangea about a week ago. I potted it in a pot and have kept it inside and watered it when the soil seemed to be drying out. All of the big white buds have drooped and are hanging down and some leaves look droopy as well. Some spots on the branches look a tiny bit brown. Any tips on how I can revive it? It it just going dormant or am I killing it?

    Hi Jenn
    If you repotted your your hydrangea and disturbed the roots, then it is responding to transplant shock. Winter is not the best time for repotting. Be careful not to overwater it-just because its wilting doesn’t mean it needs water. If it doesn’t perk up, let it go dormant keeping it on the dry side. The leaves will dry up and drop but the plant will have some buds on the stem which will produce new growth. Put the pot in a cool low spot and water occasionally to keep the roots from completely drying out. In spring, bring the pot to sun and beging to water, once you see new growth then give it a dose of houseplant fertilizer.

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13. kaye - May 22, 2010 at 7:46 am

    Hardiness
    i bought the shooting star from a grocery store it is blooming right now, i live in nebraska, i was wondering can i plant this in a large planter and leave it thru the winter or is it better to bring it inside maybe like the garage? and what is the best for trimming it thanks

    Hi Kaye
    Shooting star hydrangea is hardy in zone 7-9. It would not survive the Nebraska winter. Trim it right after it is done blooming.

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14. Kathy U - July 1, 2010 at 12:54 am

    Heat hardy?
    Hi, I live in Southern Calif’s Inland Empire where temps easily reach 100 in summer. I’m not sure of what zone I am in. Is the SHOOTING STAR HYDRANGEA suitable for a shady, to a filtered-shady spot on my patio?? They are very pretty, but not sure if it would take the heat. I will be setting up a drip-system soon, I’m sure that would help, but still….? Thanks.

    Hi Kathy
    the Shooting star hydrangea may not be heat hardy, although they are listed to be hardy in zone 7-9. You may be in zone 8-10. Keeping it in a semi shade will help keep it cooler. Let me know how it thrives.

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15. Laure Schmuck - July 3, 2010 at 1:39 pm

    No bloom
    I’ve had my shooting star hydranges in the ground for 4 years and it has never bloomed. The plant looks healthy ever season. I live in the Pacific Northwest and have several types of hydrangeas in my yard they all bloom. What’s the problem?

    Hi Laure
    There are several reason why your hydrangea doesn’t bloom. I presume that it is hardy where you live, otherwise the flower buds freeze over the winter. Too much shade, too much nitrogen fertilizer, and timely pruning can also affect bloom. for more info; see http://hortchat.com/info/hydrangia-care

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16. Melissa Tozin - March 28, 2011 at 7:36 am

    I purchased a shooting star hydrangea two weeks ago. The white flowers are drooped and some of the lacelike ares are turning brown. I have the hydrangea in a container. The leaves seem healthy and there is new growth at the base. How do I care for the plant? How often do I water? I live in Iowa.
    Thank you.

    Hi Melissa
    Your browning flowers can be a sign of stress on the plant. It’s difficult to say what caused the browning but keep in mind overwatering, and avoid spraying the flowers. Treat your Shooting star hydrangea the same way as any other hydrangea. Keep your plant in morning sun/afternoon shade. You can put it outside during the summer. When you water, makes sure water drains out from the bottom of the pot. Allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry before watering again. This hydrangea is not hardy in Iowa and will have to come inside during the winter.

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17. Melissa Tozin - March 28, 2011 at 7:38 am

    I also keep the container plant inside, I know I do do not live in the correct zone for an outdoor environment.

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18. Laura - April 2, 2011 at 2:25 pm

    Shooting star hydrangea hardiness
    I am soooo set on getting a shooting star hydrangea but I am concerned that because I live in New York State that I won’t be able to put it in the ground and leave it there for the fall and winter months? I have read that on a few different sites that It can tolerate zones 5-10 and others 7-10? Now I am undecided. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

    Hi Laura
    Spectacular plant! There are so many different types of hydrangea with varied zone ranges. Shooting star hydrangea (H. macrophylla-Lacecap) is really Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Hanabi’ which is also named “Fugi waterfalls” and “Fireworks”. Confusing. They are hardy in zones 7-9. Its best to protect them from the cold in zone 7 where they will drop their leaves, go dormant . It will tolerate winter temperatures of 20-50F.
    Keep your eyes open, eventually they will develop a similar looking plant that is hardier.

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19. Barbara - February 10, 2012 at 10:07 am

    How to dry hydrangea flowers
    I do not know the kind of hydrangea i have but would like to know how to dry them. i did it one year but then not successful after that. thanks

    Hi Barabara
    To dry hydrangea flowers, timing is important. Softly squeeze the flower and feel for a slight papery resistance, check all florets then cut and place in a vase and let dry. Another method is to cut the flowers place in a vase full of water and let the flower absorb all the water and then allow it to dry. If you don’t need stems, cut the flower heads and place them on a flat surface in a warm, dry place. Keep the flower heads away from the sun or it will fade the color. Hydrangea flower heads can also be preserved in kitty litter. It’s cheaper than silica gel.

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20. Sherry - April 22, 2012 at 8:15 am

    Can I dig part of a shooting star hydrangea up and transplant it?

    Hi Sherry
    If there is a definate section that you can separate, then you can propagate it. Be sure you can get a good amount of roots. When you transplant cut the plant back by 1/3 to help the roots develop new growth.

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21. Linda - May 3, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    Hi,
    I live in Pennsylvania and just bought a shooting star hydrangea. It was full of flowers. I repotted it because I thought the pot was too tiny. Since then it lost all its flowers but the leaves are still very green and very healthy looking. I am wondering what I can do to help produce some new blooms. I have it in a window that receives morning sun for a couple of hours. Also what would be a good time to move it out to our deck temperature wise. Thank you.

    Hi Linda
    The flowers are the first to go when a plant is under stress. Shooting star hydrangea blooms on old wood-from last year’s growth. You’ll have a nice looking plant but I don’t think it will bloom again this year. Try trimming off the dead flowers just underneath the base of the flower head, perhaps it will send out new growth and some smaller blooms. You can move it outdoors as soon as night temperatures remain at around 50F.

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22. Carol - August 15, 2013 at 11:56 am

    I live in Dallas, TX zone ?. I want to buy a Shooting Star Hydrangia. Will it be OK outside? How do I water & feed? Also, if I keep it inside how do I care for it?

    Hi Carol
    Shooting Star hydrangea is hardy in zones 7-9, (20-50F in dormant state). Dallas, Tx is in USDA zone 8A so it should be fine outdoors.
    Plant it outdoors in well drained soil, where it will get morning sun and afternoon shade. Add a few inches on mulch around the plant to keep it evenly moist during the summer.
    Feed during the growing season with well-balanced fertilizer.

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23. Debbie - November 20, 2013 at 5:58 pm

    I bought a shooting star hydrangea this summer, planted in a fairly large pot and it has grown 3 times it’s original size! I live in Ohio so I put it in the garage, being that it got so big. I keep an eye on the temp. because I have other plants out there. I know it has gotten in the 30’s before when temps. outside get into the teens. Is this going to be too cold for this plant?

    HI Debbie
    Shooting star hydrangea is hardy in zone 7 and up. In cold temperatures, it will drop its foliage and go dormant for the winter. I think it will be fine in the garage just make sure the soil doesn’t freeze. It should tolerate temperatures as low as 20F. You can wrap the outside of the container with insulation to protect the roots from freezing.

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24. joan - February 16, 2015 at 9:16 am

    I have a shooting star hydrangea growing in my San Francisco garden. This past month (January and into Feb) it has been getting some bright yellow leaves which then drop off the plant. What is causing this?

    Hi Joan
    Yellow leaves can be a sign of too much water (soil is too wet), lack of fertilizer, or insect damage.

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25. Connie - August 24, 2015 at 6:35 am

    I have a shooting star hydrangea and I live in zone 5. I will bring it in the garage for the winter however, I don’t know if it needs light or will going dormant not require light? Should I transplant it or cut it back to make it healthier? It’s still in the original container.

    Hi Connie
    Your hydrangea will go dormant and loose all its leaves for the winter, so there is no need for light. I would cut it back and transplant it in late winter/early spring. During the winter be sure to check the soil so it doesn’t completely dry out. If it starts to pull away from the sides of the pot, then it ‘s too dry. Water lightly once a month.

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26. Angela Martin - June 6, 2017 at 11:22 am

    I have a shooting star hydrangea that I had put in a large pot in 2012 I made a cutting out of that plant the next year and put the cutting in the ground right next to my chimney. We have had a few cold winters but the in ground one has done fine because of the chimney. I think planting next to the foundation would work too.
    The container one I overwinter in tool shed on a shelf every year and it also had done great. I live on Long Island, NY.
    I love this variety and it truly is a conversation piece. Love the blooms, always reliably the same color each year.
    I definitely recommend it.

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27. Connie - September 1, 2017 at 12:16 pm

    I have a Shooting Star Hydrangea that I bought several years ago. I bring it in during the winter months since I live in northern Illinois. I can’t seem to get it to bloom. It’s in a large pot on my south facing front porch. It is well shaded by the porch railings. I have put Espoma organic soil asidifier on it and it still didn’t bloom. Need suggestions what I can try next.

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    1. K - October 26, 2017 at 6:40 pm

       I am also having this issue – but mine has been planted in the ground for probably 4 years? It has never bloomed. It’s full, TALL, healthy and green…with no blooms. Hopefully someone responds to your inquiry!

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28. Ellen - February 15, 2018 at 6:20 pm

    We are in Vermont. Received a Fireworks hydrangea for my fathers funeral service in May. It was all blossoms .We planted it in the cemetary (sunny, hot and sandy soil), It started to turn brown and look as it it was dying. Dug it up and put in a pot. Did ok (but not really well) through summer. Now its just sticks about 2 ” high. No leaves. Was told that I was over watering… stopped watering and let dry out. Repotted in organic seed starter soil. Am sooooo afraid that it is dead…. When I repotted,, the root ball looked plenty wet, so I haven’t watered. Have put in a cooler space in sunlight, as I think it needs to go dormant…. Any ideas? PLEASE……..

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29. Susan Tasker - June 3, 2018 at 6:10 am

    I live in Phoenix Arizona… How can I keep my Shooting Star Hydrangea alive outside? It was a gift

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30. Ann Nolin - July 27, 2018 at 7:04 am

    I live in Ky and got a shooting star sent to me at the funeral home, what I need to k i.e. if I can plant it outdoors it gets really cold here sometimes in the winter?

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31. Melissa L - May 21, 2019 at 8:09 am

    I bought a shooting star a week ago. It’s very full with some flowers, doing good in a medium size pot. I live in western Pennsylvania. Although it’s doing great in the pot would I be able to plant it in the ground with morning sun afternoon shade and it still be ok? if so what should I do once in ground for the winter months to come?

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