Hydrangeas are a very popular type of shrubs that produces colorful flowers throughout summer and into fall. The flowers are in shades of purple, pink and blue it may also come in selections of white, green, or red. They are perennial plants that may reach up to 15 feet in height and 12 feet wide in one summer of planting due to their fast growth nature. Hydrangeas come in several varieties and the major types include:
- Bigleaf or French hydrangea
- Panicle hydrangea
- Mountain hydrangea
- Oakleaf hydrangea
- Smooth hydrangea
- Climbing hydrangea
How to Choose the right Hydrangea:
The choice of hydrangea plant for your garden should be based on the following; soil type, the color of flowers (bloom) that you want, garden space available and how much shade or sunlight available in your garden. If you select a wrong one for your soil type, you will face trouble in the future, no matter how much you take care of the hydrangeas plants.
Tips to Take Care of Your Hydrangeas Plant:
We have several tips you need to follow from choosing the time to fertilize plants. If you follow the below tips carefully, you can take care of your hydrangeas plants easily:
Choose The Right Time to Plant
Choosing the right time to plant your hydrangeas is essential for the production of colorful blooms. Planting at the right time will encourage the proper establishing of roots before blooming occurs. The best time to plant your hydrangeas plant is in the fall season or early spring. And you will have to plant early in the morning or late in the afternoon to prevent heat stress affecting the plant.
Pick The Best Spot for Planting
Hydrangeas are best planted in a spot on your garden where they can receive the morning sun and be properly shaded during the afternoon. Care must also be taken to plant in areas with enough space so the matured hydrangea can properly thrive. The location of planting must be a well-drained soil that is rich in humus, areas with high wind speed must be avoided for planting them. In the case of transplanting do so during the fall when its leaves must have fallen off. Individuals may choose to have the plant in a pot at their backyard or in their garden but whatever your choice is, ensure you follow the tips shared above.
Carefully Plant Your Crop
When using a pot for planting, mix your soil with a slow-release fertilizer and allow for a distance of 1-2 inches between the soil top and the bottom of the soil to enable good water retention. Ensure the top is big enough to allow for hydrangea growth and also has holes that ensure proper aeration and drainage. You can also add a small amount of fertilizer with a high phosphorus content at the bottom of the hole. For transplanting, you can carefully place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the bottom of the stem is at ground level. Cover with soil and then water the plant because hydrangeas plant loves moisture.
Let Your Watering be Just Enough
Many persons think that because hydrangeas plant loves to water it implies they should keep on watering them, this proves false as over-watering your plant can kill it. Ensure the soil is moist as this is enough to keep your plant growing. Stick your finger into the soil and feel it if it is dry or wet to know if your plant needs watering.
Pruning
It is important to prune dead stems and leaves of flower to protect your plant during the winter season. But you must note that different types of hydrangeas are pruned in different ways. The mophead hydrangeas do not have to be pruned at all, you only remove dead branches. During the winter season, it is important to mulch the soil. This helps in soil temperature regulation and also add nutrients to the soil.
Diseases and Pests
Hydrangeas plant is not disturbed much by pests and diseases but you will have to be on the lookout as some species may be infected by leaf spot, bud blight, bacterial wilt or mildew. Pests that you may need to watch out for include: aphids, beetles, and mites. You can also prevent disease and pest by planting disease-resistant varieties.
Changing the Color of Hydrangeas
The white hydrangeas do not undergo a color change. However, the color of the pink hydrangea can be changed to blue. It is done by adding aluminum sulfate to the soil which lowers the soil pH. Red and pink flowers will shine brighter when grounded limestone is added to the soil.
Fertilizer Application
Different varieties of hydrangeas require different fertilizer applications. For you to understand the fertilizer requirement of your plant, you must do a soil test. Do not add fertilizer in the fall as a general rule, but add during the spring or early summer months.