Do hydrangea roots have a complex root system? Are hydrangeas invasive? Does hydrangea tend to damage pipes, foundations, pavement, surfaces, and so on? Do different types of hydrangea have the same root system?
Hydrangea Root System Explained
Hydrangea’s root system is a shallower one because its roots typically grow within six inches of the upper level of the soil. Additionally, some varieties of hydrangeas can have an invasive nature which can cause damage to pipes or foundations if necessary precautions are not taken.
Different types of hydrangea plants can have different root systems and invasive issues therefore, being knowledgeable about these distinctions can help you to mold your decisions accordingly while planning to plant any of these hydrangeas.
Climbing hydrangea:
Climbing hydrangeas’ root system is pretty shallow and simple in the sense that they like to spread in more superficial soil.
In addition, they are sometimes invasive in the sense that they like to grow on different surfaces such as bricks, tree barks, pavement, and foundations.
Limelight hydrangea:
Limelight hydrangeas’ root system comprises it to be within the top layer of soil. In addition, limelight hydrangeas also do not have a central root like taproot rather it has a mass of root or root ball.
Oakleaf hydrangea:
Oakleaf hydrangeas are not invasive rather they are really shallow and uncomplicated in their root system.
However, if there are any leaks or cracks in pipes or foundations, oakleaf hydrangea can cause potential clogging problems.
Annabelle hydrangea:
Annabelle hydrangeas do not have deep roots but it is usually one of the hydrangea types that has longer roots than others.
In addition, annabelle hydrangea’s roots can extend 14 to 24 inches deep from the top level of the soil.
Pee gee hydrangea:
Pee gee hydrangea has a shallow root system that is not so deep. In addition, they are also not considered invasive as their roots typically reside on the upper level of the soil.
Endless summer hydrangea:
Endless summer hydrangeas roots reach 6 inches deep into the soil and it is not really considered an invasive variety but it can be intrusive especially when there are leaks in the pavements or pipes.
Transplanting hydrangea:
Transplanting hydrangea has a shallow root system and it can be pretty invasive. This is why you have to leave at least 3 to 10 feet of space between your hydrangea plants.
Hardy hydrangea:
Hardy hydrangeas do not have a stubborn or deep root system rather their root system consists of being in the upper level of the soil and they usually have a mass of roots that looks like root balls.
Bluebird hydrangea:
Bluebird hydrangeas are just like any other hydrangeas and they thus don’t have a central root system rather this type has some sort of root balls where several roots curl up together and allow the sprouting of new leaves.
Hydrangea petiolaris:
Hydrangea petiolaris has a very unique root system because it consists of both above and under-the-ground root systems nevertheless, this hydrangea type isn’t an invasive kind.
Does Hydrangea have deep roots?
Hydrangea does not have deep roots because their roots only extend up to six inches in the ground. In addition, hydrangea’s shallow roots only reside on the upper level of the soil.
Moreover, from this upper level of soil, hydrangea’s roots get all the moisture, minerals, and water with the help of the rhizome roots.
How Deep Are Hydrangea Roots?
Hydrangeas’ roots aren’t really typical meaning hydrangeas’ roots are very shallow and their roots are usually addressed as root balls.
Accordingly, hydrangeas roots aren’t that deep rather they are quite long. Moreover, this evergreen plant tends to spread its roots through the drip line of the plant.
In addition, the shallow root system of hydrangea is not made up of the main taproot but rather its roots are formed by rhizomes.
Moreover, these rhizomes don’t go deep into the soil like an oak tree rather they spiral together.
Nevertheless, as a general estimate, hydrangeas’ roots can grow at least one or two-inch from the drip line of the hydrangea plant. However, the plant itself can have a root system of 6 inches into the soil.
Do hydrangea paniculata root system?
Hydrangea paniculata has a shallow root system that requires it to be on the top layer of the soil. However, it does need well drainage soil to grow its roots to the fullest and it also doesn’t have any central root system.
Moreover, hydrangea paniculata usually extends alongside its roots and is not actually that invasive or strong enough to go through any foundation, structures, pavements, or waterlines to destroy them completely.
What kind of root system does a hydrangea have?
Hydrangea plant’s root system is very simple and being knowledgeable about these beautiful plants’ root system can help you to plan better when you are trying to plant hydrangea in your garden.
No Central Root System:
Hydrangea doesn’t have one base root that grows out of a trunk of the plant rather it has a root system that is very extensive.
It is extensive in the sense that several of the roots join together to make a root ball which can again cause some problems.
Due to the lack of any central root or taproot, the whole root system of hydrangea is really important as it elongates to make room for sprouting.
Moreover, the roots of hydrangea are mainly made out of rhizomes and these roots require friable soil for proper growth.
Shallow Root:
Almost all types of hydrangeas’ roots are shallow meaning they only penetrate the upper level of the soil at about 6 inches. In addition, these roots made out of rhizomes are also known as underground stems.
Dual Root System:
There are some varieties of hydrangea plants that have some sort of a dual root system.
Accordingly, hydrangeas such as climbing hydrangea and hydrangea petiolaris have a root system inside and outside the soil.
In addition, their root systems above the ground can even reach up to 70 feet which is not that typical of hydrangea plants.
How big are Hydrangea roots?
Hydrangea’s roots do not get large rather its root system only goes 6 inches deep into the soil.
However, hydrangea’s root system is pretty invasive sometimes which can cause the hydrangea plant to unfold around three to five feet in its vicinity. Anyway, you can do root pruning to get past the intrusive nature of hydrangea.
Are Hydrangea Roots Invasive?
Although hydrangea’s roots don’t typically have a very aggressive or invasive nature, they nonetheless can sometimes be invasive.
In addition, the reason behind this is mostly due to the fact that hydrangea’s roots are very shallow and do not have that much circumference.
Moreover, hydrangea’s roots also are known for creating root blocks that can cause invasion issues for other plants.
However, even though hydrangea roots aren’t that intrusive and may not go straight through pavements, foundations, or pipes but they will surely bend around any object thus displaying its somewhat intrusive nature.
In such situations, you need to remove some of the roots, especially in the fall times to assist in hydrangeas’ favorable growth.
Can Hydrangea roots damage foundation or pipes?
If there is a potential leak in pipes or foundation, hydrangea roots will go through it and start multiplying which can even result in clogging of the pipe or the drainage system.
However, it also depends on the type of pipe that is in question therefore if it is an irrigation pipe, it is most unlikely for hydrangea root to be invasive.
In addition, sewerage drain pipes can be severely damaged especially if they have leaks in them which can make an easy way for hydrangea roots to infiltrate causing a plumbing issue.
This is why it is important to consider the root system of hydrangea before planting it anywhere near your house.
Nevertheless, as a matter of fact, hydrangea roots aren’t that much damaging and they can’t go through any walls or foundation under normal circumstances.
Do Hydrangea spread or multiply?
One of the biggest characteristics of hydrangea is that it can spread and multiply extensively.
In addition, hydrangeas are a very rapid grower and can have the potential to grow sometimes for about 25 or more inches per year.
However, hydrangeas’ multiplying or spreading issues can cause clogging of any pipes or foundations especially if these contain any leaks in them.
Moreover, this is why it is best to keep hydrangeas at least 3 to 10 feet away from each other so that your hydrangea can have a lot of space to properly grow from the roots.
Final Thoughts
Hydrangeas can really revive the beauty of your garden. But they come with a price as they spread a lot which is why it is better to leave at least 3-10 feet of space between hydrangeas. Moreover, hydrangea’s root systems don’t have central roots rather it is more like an intrusive mass of roots.