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Could Hydeangeas' roots damage wall/foundations?

MarmotFriendMarmotFriend Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Hello All.

I've recently moved into a new house and have what I think is a lovely Hydrangea placed outside the front of our house. There's another plant behind it but the majority of what you see in the photo is the Hydrangea. I'm worried about the roots damaging/infiltrating the wall it backs onto and am considering removing it. Does anybody have any experience with this? Are the roots strong enough to penetrate?

Many thanks,

Derek






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Posts

  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    Hydrangeas do not have particularly strong roots. You should be safe enough with it there.
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    that's the traditional place for a hydrangea. I'm no expert on the pruning but that doesn't look well done to me, I'm sure someone else will advise


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    I agree it will not damage your wall, but it would be best to know what the other plant is, that is actually growing behind it. May not be suitable, as it will be covered up in the summer months.
  • MarmotFriendMarmotFriend Posts: 4
    Thanks for the replies so far - I'll try and take some photos of the plant behind it as it's hard to tell without any leaves at the moment
  • MarmotFriendMarmotFriend Posts: 4
    I've tried to take a photo of the mystery plant (nearest the wall). Any ideas? It's quite hard to differentiate between the Hydrangea and the other plant. I think I'll dig out the other plant as it's probably a weed and would like to err on the side of caution 

    Thanks
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited January 2019
    That looks to me like an elder tree seedling that has been hacked back over several years.  You’re absolutely right, it needs to come out. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    I second elder, and advice to remove.
    Devon.
  • MarmotFriendMarmotFriend Posts: 4
    Thanks for the advice - I'll remove it and leave the Hydrangea - thanks again for taking the time to read
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    I think you will find it quite hard to dig out the elder without massacring the hydrangea which is far too close to the wall and personally I would dig both out and ditch them. Buy yourself one of the lovely new hydrangeas, enrich the soil and replant at least 2' ft in front of the wall. They grow quite fast so will make a good show later this year.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Very good advice ... I think that’s what I’d do ... then the new hydrangea will have the opportunity to fulfil its potential. The one you have is in a rather restricted spot and is probably past its best ... sometimes it’s best to be just a little bit ruthless ... I keep telling myself.   ;)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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