Hydrangeas are sweet and gentle flowers that add a delicate touch to any flower arrangement. It is a flowering plant that originated from the Orient and was then moved and grown in the Americas and amazingly in the Azores islands of Portugal, especially the Flores and Faial Islands. The beauty of hydrangeas is to such an extent that they are used in weddings and other floral arrangements, including hydrangea flower arrangements.
However, there are a couple of realities about the Hydrangea that is captivating. Hydrangeas can change their colors. Hydrangeas can change from pink to blue or blue to pink, depending upon the measure of aluminum in the soil.
These plants come in various colors like blue, white, pink, and light and dim violet. They can even change tones, contingent upon the measure of aluminum in the soil. The variety in colors makes them the best decision for elegant bridal bouquets.
Hydrangeas Overview
- Botanical Name: Hydrangea spp.
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Flower Color: Green, White, Pink, Blue, Red, Purple
- Common Names: Hydrangea, hortensia
- Mature Size: Up to 15 feet
- Soil Type: Any
- Sun Exposure: Full, partial
- Soil pH: Any
- Native Area: Asia, the Americas
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer through fall
- Hardiness Zones: 5—9 (USDA)
- Toxicity: Toxic to people, animals
Hydrangea Care
Hydrangeas are easy to grow plants, and by following a couple of basic guidelines, you are probably going to succeed without stressing yourself. Whenever you have purchased your plants, you should plant them into the garden directly for best outcomes.
If you can't plant them on that day, you should make sure your plants are kept watered and spot them in a cool and brilliant space, staying away from direct sunlight, until planting is possible.
Water
Planting your hydrangeas in late winter or the fall is great. If you plant them in the mid-year, they need much more water at the beginning to set up the root system. Most varieties flourish in full sun to part conceal, as long as they are planted in damp, rich soil. Water profoundly one time each week, and perhaps more, if the climate is especially warm or dry.
Soil
Hydrangeas will flourish in soggy yet well-drained soil in a semi-dark part of the garden. Keep away from dry and bright spots. One of the attractions of hydrangeas is their capacity to change the color of their flowers. It only occurs in the mophead varieties and is because of the dirt ph.
Those hydrangeas whose flowers become blue will be in more acidic soil. To keep them blue, grow in acidic soil of pH 4.5-5 or add hydrangea bluing intensifies that can be purchased from better garden places. The bloom heads also dry well and look shocking rather than cut flowers over winter.
Light
Hydrangeas grow best in an area that gets the full sun. If you live where the environment is cool; find an area for your plants where they can get a lot of sunlight. Anyhow, if you live in warm or mild climates, know that hydrangeas don't grow well in outrageous hotness. Keep your plants in areas where they get the morning sun and are concealed in the early evening.
Temperature
Hydrangeas cannot bear temperatures under 25 degrees Fahrenheit. What you can do is protect your hydrangea shrubbery from the colder time of year cold. To do this, make an edge on and around your hydrangea bramble utilizing stakes and chicken wire. It is best to keep your plants covered in winter.
Fertilizer
Hydrangeas require only one feeding of fertilizer in the spring. A good fertilizer or rich soil is too vital; however, they'll profit from monthly feedings for; as long as 90 days. If you pick synthetic fertilizer, utilize a lethargic delivery. If you don't know the amount to use, it is better to use little. Pour around the trickle line of the bush not close to the base.
Hydrangea Varieties
A few varieties of Hydrangea include:
Hydrangea macrophylla: This plant is famous for its tremendous bounties of flowers also because the color of its flowers can be changed from pink or red to white or radiant blue, all with basic acclimations to the soil pH and aluminum content.
Hydrangea arborescens: This group includes the 'Annabelle' type. It has an adjusted, wide white flower that might be strong as far north as zone 3a, yet also best for southern climes.
Hydrangea quercifolia: It's a Native American bush that can grow big. They like any soil; however, do not care for wet feet.
Pruning Hydrangeas
Pruning always brings the best outcomes after flowering has happened. Huge-leaved hydrangeas get their flowers from buds of the previous growing season. Prune about 33% of the most fragile growth from early in the spring. It will make sure new growth and support flowering.
Pruning the roots is something that you only need to accomplish for container hydrangeas. By the third or fourth year, the roots of your plant might have become excessively far out to fit inside your container. When this occurs, you can either transfer your plant to a big container or you can prune the roots.
When pruning the roots, the best way to do this is during late winter. Pick the roots on two inverse sides of the root ball inside the pot. Dig down along one side of the container and cut out clusters of old roots. When you are done, occupy the space with soil and fertilizer. Do some on the other side.
