Hydrangea Care
Nolan O'Connor
| 09-11-2023
· Plant Team
Hydrangeas are adored for their beautiful, big blossoms, long-lasting flowering period, wide array of colors, and ethereal charm.
Each hydrangea flower consists of four tiny blossoms that combine to create a large, elegant, and uncomplicated flower.
Within each of these little flowers, you can spot eight delicate petals, and at the center of these petals, you'll find five or six filaments resembling tiny snail antennae.
As you approach them and take a sniff, you'll be enveloped in their lovely fragrance. When these flowers sway in the breeze, it's like watching a graceful dance. Their sweet scent entices numerous bees and butterflies to join in the dance.
So, how can you ensure that your hydrangeas thrive in your garden? By paying attention to these five key points, your garden can become a haven for flourishing hydrangeas.
First: Hydrangeas Love Light
Some gardening enthusiasts might wrongly believe that hydrangeas can do without sunlight. In reality, they require sunlight, but not too much of it.
Especially during the hot midday sun in summer, they appreciate some shade. However, during the other seasons of the year – spring, fall, and winter – they can bask in full sunlight.
Second: Hydrangeas Crave Water
Gardeners frequently ponder, "What is the ideal watering frequency for hydrangeas?"
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Just like humans, plants don't have a fixed schedule for drinking water.
You must pay attention to the environmental conditions your hydrangea is in and rely on your observations. Hydrangeas have large leaves, and during hot weather, they lose a lot of water through evaporation.
Therefore, it's essential to replenish their water supply promptly to prevent wilting.
Third: Hydrangeas Need Good Ventilation
Hydrangeas require proper ventilation. Placing them in well-ventilated areas is essential. You can also consider removing some lower leaves to improve internal airflow and reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
Fourth: Hydrangeas Thrive on Fertilizer
Most flowering plants benefit from regular fertilization. Be sure to apply a thin layer of fertilizer until your hydrangeas are in full bloom. This will help them grow larger and look more vibrant.
Once your hydrangeas are fully colored, you can stop fertilizing to extend the duration of their blossoms.
Fifth: Pruning Hydrangeas
If you want your hydrangeas to bloom beautifully, proper pruning is crucial. Cutting them incorrectly may lead to no flowers next year. While some varieties bloom on old and new branches, others need pruning before September. This promotes new growth and twigs and flowers in the following year. The earlier you prune, the more twigs you'll encourage.
When pruning hydrangeas, remove weak branches and concentrate nutrients on the stronger ones. Young plants can be pruned gently, leaving 2-3 leaves below the remaining flowers, while older plants should have a 40-60cm height.
Pruning hydrangeas also serves as a shaping process. If your hydrangea appears flat, you can shape it into a rounder form through pruning. Eliminating weak branches will improve ventilation and reduce the risk of pests and diseases, so take care when pruning.
Each May, your best gardening reward is a splendid display of these beautiful hydrangea blooms!