Hydrangea
When you involve a great , bold specimen plant , look no further than hydrangea .
With wonderful , expectant flowerheads in colors of blue , lime green , mauve , pinkish , red , and bloodless , they showcase an old - fashioned beauty that beg to be seen and admired .
Their immense blooms make them a abide - alone in woody shrub . These lovely plants are easygoing to cultivate , not fussy about territory requirements , and bring forth copious amount of money of flowers that last well into fall .
Bigleaf hydrangea in bloom. Photo by Lorna Kring.
Plus , mosthave foliage that gives with child fall colour as well .
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And did you bed that with several species available for the garden , they come in numerous sizes and shape that are suitable for a range of emplacement and uses ?
Bigleaf hydrangea in bloom. Photo by Lorna Kring.
From containers to privacy screens to straggle solid ground covering , there ’s a hydrangea to suit the land site .
Join us now for a look at how to turn , maintain , and prune these grownup blossomed ravisher !
What You’ll Learn
Cultivation and History
Hydrangea , also known as hortensia , is a genus in the Hydrangeaceae family line ofabout 80 coinage of flowering shrub and vinesnative to Asia and North America .
Most have a rounded development form in the compass of three to 10 metrical foot tall , butsome are small Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , and others are lianas that can mount up to 50 base when trained up tree or construction .
Plus , there are intercrossed dwarf miscellany for small spaces as well .
The name source is Greek and means body of water vessel or body of water barrel , in denotation to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe ofits seminal fluid capsulesand the plant life ’s love life of water .
Most bloom in shades of blue , mauve , and pink but flowers also come in linden light-green , crimson , and white-hot .
Depending on the specie , the shape of flower heads varies as well , and includelacecaps , mopheads , panicles , and snowballs .
All of which are incorporate of small , densely tamp down , star topology - shaped blooms .
There are evergreen species , but those commonly sell in garden centre are deciduous and lose their leaves in late fall .
Some cultivar have a short fragrance , although most do not .
Ancient hydrangea fossil dating to the early Cenozoic epoch ( 65 million years ago ) have been find all along the distance of western North America – a secure indicator of their length of service !
First cultivated in Japan , they did n’t arrive in Europe until the early 18thcentury – and arrived from North America when a settler sent a aboriginal varietal dwelling house to England .
In Japan , they ’re thought to be a sign of gratitude or apologia because an emperor once gifted them to the families of gentlewoman he fancied .
On the snotty-nosed side , the Victorians attribute them the meaning of vainglory or vanity due to their big , showy bloom – very immodest ! And Victorians also used them to courteously distinguish a suitor of their disinterest .
Native Americans successfully employed the root and bark of native mintage as a diuretic and for pain relief . But please do n’t try this at home – many commercial-grade garden specie are toxic to animate being and human and can make mild to severe stomach upset .
Propagation
You may have seen hydrangea cuttings rootle in water on your Gran ’s windowsill , but this method acting is a bit off and neglect .
A more authentic room to propagate is to root cuttings in ground as follows :
cutting take in belated summertime will have the best chance of come through winter if you keep them indoors or in a glasshouse .
To help new plants survive their first winter outdoors , dip pots into the dry land in a sheltered spot andcover with a dry mulchof hay , straw , orshredded leaves .
Or , isolate smaller weed of cut by placing in a sheltered spot against a building foundation , then invert large quite a little over top of them .
go away top pot in place for the wintertime and give cuttings the occasional sip of pee during mild spells .
show more about grow hydrangea from cutting here .
How to Grow
hydrangea prefer a full sunlight to part shade locating , but can only handle raging , full sunshine if the soil is systematically moist .
Because they have big parting , they transpire a lot of moisture . And if exposed to hot good afternoon sunshine without adequate moisture , leaves will wilt and droop .
They bask rich stain amend with constitutive cloth and require a well - draining site .
The planting hole should be two to three times the breadth of the root ball and of an equal depth .
Add some bone mealto the meliorate soil , loosen any bound or twist roots before set in place . Backfill with ameliorate soil and water good to settle .
Hortensia needs consistent wet , but not squiffy conditions , and will wilt if permit to dry out . Those grow in container may need to be water daily , and a four - inch stratum of mulch will help to retain wet .
Feed with a slow dismission , balanced plant food , 10 - 10 - 10 ( NPK ) , in early bounce .
For container growth , see to it your pots have an adequate layer of drainage material .
And use a potting mix with plenty of moisture - retentive cloth such as peat moss , perlite , or vermiculite .
After planting , mix in a obtuse - exit fertilizer and water well .
In Zones 5 and cooler , plant in sheltered locating and put up extra wintertime aegis if needed .
To denigrate bud loss and protect from dieback , wrap with gunny or landscape cloth to protect against cold snaps and uttermost winter temperature .
you’re able to say more about growing hydrangea in containers here .
Adjust Your Soil pH
One of the most interesting aspects of hydrangea is that some varieties haveflowers that can alter color .
This is due to territory chemical science , with pH levels able-bodied to affect the bloom colour of bigleaf and mountain mintage , H. macrophyllaandH. serrata .
Typically , flowers are profane in soil of eminent acidulousness , and mauve to pink in alkaline soil . Some shrub will even show all three color at once !
If unsure of your soil ’s pH , it ’s wise to test before planting .
To interpolate pH degree and manipulate flower color , treat the soil well before flowers flower , start in late summer and proceed the following spring .
To encourage aristocratic blooms , grow in acidic soil with a pH of 5.2 - 5.5 .
incorporate of course acidic material such ascoffee undercoat , peat moss , pine needles , oak leafage , or sawdust will increase layer more or less and slowly .
Or , you may increase soil acidity by adding atomic number 13 sulfate , ammonium ion sulphate , or a soil acidifier .
For mauve to pink blooms , a more alkaline soil is necessitate with a scope of pH 6.0 - 6.2 .
Garden lime is the wanton way to raise the soil pH ( alkalinise it ) . Apply at the pace outlined in package stipulation .
Retest your soil sporadically to monitor the issue of any soil amendment – over time , the pH will revert back to original layer .
And if you ’re require to preserve a certain pH level , soil should be tested annually .
Also , it should be note that species with true white or cream flowers , like theoakleaf , H. quercifolia , will stay their original colour no matter of the filth ’s chemical composition .
Growing Tips
Pruning and Maintenance
Generally , plants ask niggling pruning .
As flowers wither , they dry on the radical tot up interest group to the fall garden . However , diverseness that rebloombenefit from regular deadheadingto encourage re - flowering .
But before you do any cutting , it ’s important to determine if your plant blossom on new or old Natalie Wood .
Prune for Flowers on Old Wood
Many varieties ofH. macrophyllaandH. quercifoliaflower on old wood , typically the Graeco-Roman big leaf , lacecap , and mophead case .
These plants take form buds in tardy summer , just as the current yr ’s flowers are finishing .
They require only a light passementerie like a shot after flowering , cutting stems to just above a pair of hefty leaf guest .
Avoid an “ overall ” pruning in winter or early spring because this removes many of next year ’s flowers .
Prune for Flowers on New Wood
Others , like tranquil and panicle species , H. arborescensandH. paniculata , flower on novel wood . These form lot of buds in spring .
These varieties should be cut back in recent winter or very early fountain and can take a hard pruning when needed .
thin back generously to one to two feet to encourage new growth and peak output . This also bring forth a full , strong flora that will quell good under the weight of their profuse summer blossom .
Prune for Flowers on Both Old and New Wood
There are also mopheads that flower on both old and new wood . They display other flowers that grow on old Sir Henry Wood , and a second bloom of blooms that seem on fresh wood .
These are unremarkably referred to as “ reblooming ” or “ remontant ” and should be pruned as for old woods – cutting away spent flowers as shortly as they finish to encourage new blooms .
For all types , cut out any broken , dead , or winter - damaged arm in belated wintertime or early spring .
Cultivars to Select
These are the most commonly develop garden species in North America :
Bigleaf –H. macrophylla ‘Bailmer’ (Original Endless Summer)
The Original Endless Summer hydrangea , this bigleaf miscellany is a garden favorite treasure for its uniform , rounded outgrowth of three to five foot marvelous with a similar banquet and large mophead heyday in colour of pink to sapphire .
H. macrophylla‘Bailmer ’ ( Original Endless Summer )
Blooming profusely from June to September , large , dark-skinned immature leaves impart to the colour presentation , turning spook of Burgundy wine and scarlet in autumn .
Flowers form on new and former Sir Henry Wood and should be pruned in tardy summer as for previous wood . Hardy in Zones 4 - 9 .
Bigleaf makes a terrific base or specimen plant and works well in hedges , recurrent bed , and secrecy screens – it definitely snitch a place where it can be admire from your terrace or window .
The adult , beautiful flush attract butterflies and are tremendous in dried or fresh flower transcription as well .
beak up container plant of Original Endless Summer at Nature Hills Nursery .
Climbing –H. petiolaris
A bold , rambling species , climbing hydrangea feature large , fragrant white rosiness in a lacecap elan that flower in former spring to mid - summer .
As they get on , prime change state a deep brick Marxist – the same color as the attractive , skin bark . And the ample , dark green leafage gives a show of fall yellow as well .
Easy to produce , it stick to brickwork , up tree trunk , or wooden bulwark without support and is happy in either shade or sun .
Lateral branches develop as the industrial plant grows , fall in a deep , superimposed expression . Hardy in Zones 4 - 8 , works can get up to 60 foot with a counterpane of five to six animal foot .
utilize this handsome climber against buildings and other structures , such as mandrel , fences , and up large tree trunks .
Or as a priming coat cover to sprawling over embankments , low rock walls , rock debris , tree trunks , and shady areas .
Mountain –H. serrata‘Tuff Stuff’
A new , thick mountain specie , ‘ Tuff Stuff ’ is a rebloomer , producing bloom almost nonstop from former summer into mid - autumn .
Semi and fully double salad days in cerise or lilac blue open in a classic , airy lacecap pattern .
‘ Tuff Stuff ™ ’ Reblooming Mountain Hydrangea
Mature superlative is 2 to 3 feet with a similar bedcover and plants have a dense branching habit .
And the lustrous green , heart - form leaves flex spook of Burgundy wine and magenta in crepuscule for additional belated time of year color . Flowers on both old and new Grant Wood and should be cut back as for older wood varieties .
Hardy in Zones 5 - 9 , the low size defecate it ideal for containers , low-down foundation beds , butt , small hedging , and mixed into perennial beds .
Purchase various sized container plants at Nature Hills Nursery .
Oakleaf –H. quercifolia
‘ Gatsby Pink ’ is a spectacular large oakleaf cultivar with big , striking florets of coral pink efflorescence perched atop tall stems from mid - summertime right into fall .
fine-looking , oak tree - shaped leaves lend the coarse name and turn vibrant shades of burgundy and red as temperatures drop .
‘ Gatsby Pink ’ Oakleaf Hydrangea
It has a height of six to eight metrical foot and a similar spread and is hardy in Zones 5 - 9 . Flowers bud on one-time woods so prune after flowers are finish in late summer .
Adaptable and easy to farm , ‘ Gatsby pinkish ’ appreciates some afternoon shadiness in hot southern climates .
Use as a foundation or specimen plant , in hedge or concealment screen , and mass in woodland configurations . And the long - live on flowers are good for fresh burn arrangements and for drying .
purchase the handsome ‘ Gatsby Pink ’ at Nature Hills Nursery .
Panicle –H. paniculata‘Rensun’ (Strawberry Sundae)
Panicle varieties have flower towers , some thickly packed with individual blooms while others have a looser form .
Strawberry Sundae has wonderful , two - tone panicles that give a big splash of colouration on a heavyset plant , growing four to five invertebrate foot tall with a spread of three to four groundwork .
First Editions ® Strawberry Sundae ® Hydrangea
flush first appear as creamy white in mid - summer , switch to pink from the bottom up as they age , and end with flair as they change to shiny strawberry flushed .
Flowers appear on unexampled wood and should be pruned in spring . Cut back to the flat coat or one to three metrical unit for tall growth .
Hardy in Zones 3 - 8 , colors last well into autumn and flowersare attractive to butterfliesandother pollinators .
Strawberry Sundae ’s compact size of it makes it ideal for large container , small gardens , hedgerow , or as a take up midway layer in mixed perennial beds .
you’re able to purchase the fashionable Strawberry Sundae online at Nature Hills Nursery .
Or read more about mature panicle hydrangea here .
Smooth –H. arborescens‘Annabelle’
‘ Annabelle ’ is an outstanding ornamental shrub that features the massive flower clusters the species is known for .
Huge , symmetrical corymb made of multiple , bright white blooms cover the plant all summer and are perfectly showcased by the thick dark-green leaves that turn vivid white-livered in downslope .
H. arborescens‘Annabelle ’
Attractive to butterfly andother pollinator , it produce four to five feet marvellous with a three- to four - foot bedspread and is one of the hardiest – suitable for Zones 3 - 9 .
Blooms come out on Modern wood and staunch can be pruned in winter . swerve back to the undercoat or to one to three - foot for taller ontogenesis .
‘ Annabelle ’ makes an outstanding introduction or specimen plant but really glow when grouped in hedges , privacy screens , or planted en masse .
Pick up bare roots or various sized containers of ‘ Annabelle ’ via Nature Hills Nursery .
Or read more about growing it here .
desire More Selections ?
If you are planning your own repeated flower garden and want more selection of hydrangea to pick out from , do n’t missperusing our survival of the fittest of our favorite top 25 cultivarsto facilitate you weed through the C that are available .
Managing Pests and Disease
Generally , hydrangeas are not seriously affected by disease or insect problems .
However , at prison term , species may be susceptible to bud blight , leaf spot , or powdery mildew .
Ensure flora have adequate spacing for right air circulation and supply excellent drainage . water system in the morning to grant the Sunday and breeze to dry out the leaves throughout the day .
Aphidsand spider mites can be treated with a strong spray from a hosiery on both sides of leaves , blossom buds , and stems .
If Japanese beetles look , hand pick and dispose of in buttery pee or treat plant with an insecticidal spray .
Read more about hydrangea diseases here .
Quick Reference Growing Chart
Big Blossomed Beauty
Now that you ’ve see about how versatile hydrangea is , will you add some to your landscape painting ?
Whether you like their abundant display of flower in Brobdingnagian mopheads , goody lacecaps , or compact pompoms , there ’s a plant life with big blossomed beauty suitable for any garden . And mostgive a beautiful show of autumn coloring as well !
And if for more entropy aboutgrowing flowering shrubsin your garden , check out these guides next :
picture by Lorna Kring © Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . ware picture via Espoma , Nature Hill Nursery , Proven Winners , and First Editions . Uncredited exposure : Shutterstock .
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Lorna Kring
