Hydrangeas are beautiful flowering shrubs that are popular for their stunning blooms and easy care requirements. They come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, purple, and white, adding a vibrant touch to any garden or landscape. Here’s a detailed guide on how to plant and care for hydrangeas:
About Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs that belong to the Hydrangeaceae family. They are native to Asia and the Americas and are prized for their large, showy flower heads. Hydrangeas are known for their ability to change color based on the pH level of the soil, with acidic soil producing blue flowers and alkaline soil producing pink flowers.
Types Of Hydrangeas Plants
- Annabelle Hydrangea: Known for its large, white, round flower heads, the Annabelle hydrangea is a popular variety that blooms in summer. It is a type of smooth hydrangea.
- Strawberry Vanilla Hydrangea: This is a variety of panicle hydrangea known for its large, conical flower heads that start out creamy white and gradually turn pink as they age.
- Incrediball Hydrangea: Another variety of smooth hydrangea, the Incrediball hydrangea is similar to the Annabelle hydrangea but produces larger flower heads that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter.
- White Hydrangea: While not a specific variety, white hydrangeas can refer to several types of hydrangeas that produce white flowers, including the Annabelle hydrangea, smooth hydrangeas, and some varieties of bigleaf hydrangeas.
- Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia): As mentioned earlier, the oakleaf hydrangea is known for its oak leaf-shaped leaves and cone-shaped flower clusters. It is native to the southeastern United States and is prized for its fall foliage color.
- Blue Hydrangea: Again, not a specific variety, but many types of hydrangeas, particularly bigleaf hydrangeas, can produce blue flowers when grown in acidic soil.
- Panicle Hydrangeas: These hydrangeas, such as the PeeGee hydrangea, are known for their cone-shaped flower clusters that start out white and gradually turn pink or red as they age.
- Limelight hydrangea: Limelight hydrangeas are recognized for their sizable, pyramid-shaped flower clusters. These blooms begin as a creamy white hue, transforming into a vivid lime green before transitioning to pink in the autumn. Their robust stems keep the flowers upright, ideal for stunning cut flower arrangements.
- Little Lime Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Jane’): This is a dwarf variety of panicle hydrangea that produces lime green flowers that turn pink in the fall.
- Hydrangea macrophylla: This is the botanical name for bigleaf hydrangeas, which are known for their large, glossy leaves and round flower heads. They are available in a variety of colors, including pink, blue, purple, and white.
Climbing Hydrangea
It is a specific type of hydrangea. Unlike other hydrangeas that are shrubs, climbing hydrangea is a vine that can climb up walls, fences, and other structures. It is known for its heart-shaped leaves, fragrant white flowers, and its ability to cling to surfaces using aerial rootlets. Climbing hydrangea is prized for its ornamental value and is a popular choice for adding vertical interest to gardens and landscapes.
How to Plant Hydrangeas from Seeds
Hydrangeas can be grown from seeds, but it’s a slow process that requires patience. To plant hydrangeas from seeds, start by collecting ripe seed heads in the fall. Remove the seeds from the seed heads and plant them in a seed tray filled with moist seed starting mix. Keep the tray in a warm, sunny spot and water regularly. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots once they have grown large enough, and then plant them in the garden once they are well-established.
How to Grow Hydrangeas from Cuttings
Growing hydrangeas from cuttings is a more reliable and quicker method of propagation. To grow hydrangeas from cuttings, take a cutting from a healthy, established plant in the spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a mix of perlite and peat moss, and keep it in a warm, humid place. Water regularly and transplant the cutting into the garden once it has developed roots.
How To Water & Fertilise Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil. Water deeply once a week, especially during dry periods. Avoid overhead watering, as this can lead to fungal diseases.Fertilize hydrangeas in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these can promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Winter Protection For Hydrangeas
In colder climates, protect hydrangeas from winter frost by mulching around the base of the plant with a thick layer of straw or leaves. Alternatively, you can cover the plant with burlap or a frost blanket.
How To Prune Hydrangeas
Prune hydrangeas in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the plant as desired. Be careful not to prune off next year’s flower buds, as some hydrangea varieties bloom on old wood.
How to Change the Color of Hydrangea Flowers
To change the color of hydrangea flowers, you can alter the pH level of the soil. For blue flowers, make the soil more acidic by adding aluminium sulphate. For pink flowers, make the soil more alkaline by adding lime. It’s advisable to wait until a plant is at least two years old before altering its pH, allowing it to recuperate from its initial planting shock. Additionally, it’s generally easier to change blue flowers to pink than it is to change pink flowers to blue.
5 Reasons Why Hydrangeas Not Blooming?
If your hydrangeas are not blooming, it could be due to several reasons, including improper pruning, too much shade, inadequate watering, nutrient deficiencies, or cold damage. Ensure that you are providing the right care for your plants to encourage blooming.
Pests/Diseases In Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew, and root rot. Keep an eye out for signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action if necessary.