With its flowering ranging from lilac to blue, the hydrangea is a very beautiful plant that can also be grown in pots – you may not have met it, but its colors can also depend on the acidity of the soil. It does not like direct sunlight, but prefers shade; It requires a lot of water, but not the tap at home, and needs to be pruned at certain times of the year. Let’s see how to grow them in the best conditions and how to take care of them. Hydrangea is a plant that can be grown in pots or in the garden by placing it in a shady or semi-shaded location. Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is an ornamental plant of Asian origin that prefers shade and oily soils. A plant that does not require any special care: it survives the winter well and in spring it gives a flower that is a real explosion of colors. Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is an ornamental plant of Asian origin that prefers shade and oily soils. A plant that does not require any special care: in fact, it withstands the winter well and gives a flower in spring that is a real explosion of color. In fact, you should know that hydrangea belongs to sciaphilous plants, that is, all those plants that do not like direct sunlight. So if you don’t have a lawn or balcony facing south or east, you can still have guaranteed blooming thanks to these plants (plus hydrangeas, camellia, astranzia, bluebell, viburnum, and most ferns) that are also well-shaded.
How to Grow Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas can be grown from seed, by cuttings, or by buying a plant from the nursery by planting them. If you already have one, you can harvest the seeds once the flowers have wilted and the small green capsules containing the seeds are ripe. Then, collect the capsules and let them dry in a cool, dry place for a few days.
When should hydrangeas be grown?
The best time to plant a hydrangea is in autumn, between October and November, and in spring between March and April. If you want to plant a hydrangea by pruning, the best time is autumn, even better if this process is carried out in October.
Soil and irrigation
To grow the hydrangea, choose an acidophilic potting soil. Remember that the soil should always be moist. The hydrangea, even if it is in the shade, needs a lot of water, especially when it is in flower, but you should always be careful with standing water and the possible presence of limescale, as your plant could be at risk of dying. Otherwise, water it directly on the roots, in summer even twice a day.
Temperature and Exposure
As I explained right away, you should avoid exposing your hydrangea directly to sunlight: the plant prefers to be in partial shade, with a cool and humid climate, thanks to abundant watering and a temperature that should be around 18 degrees. Also pay attention to very cold periods: in winter, it is recommended to cover the ground with so-called mulch so that the hydrangea can withstand even the coldest season.
How to Grow Hydrangeas in Pots
If you have decided to grow hydrangeas in pots, you should know that they should be large enough to accommodate the plant and give it enough room to grow. Make sure the pot has drainage holes in the bottom to allow excess water to drain out. In general, a pot diameter of at least 30-40 cm is recommended to accommodate a single hydrangea plant. There are a few varieties of hydrangeas that are best suited for growing in pots:
- Azores Hydrangea
- Hydrangeas nodding
How do you care for hydrangeas?
The care of this plant depends a lot on the particular variety and the environmental conditions in which it grows. You should pay attention to the specific needs of each variety of hydrangea. An example? Some may need more pruning, while others are more resistant to cold or drought.
Irrigation
Like many plants, hydrangeas also need proper watering. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. It prevents excessive drying of the soil and also water stagnation. Drip irrigation or with the plant’s feet is preferable to avoid wetting the leaves and flowers, as this can contribute to the appearance of fungal diseases.
Circumcise
The cut also varies depending on the type of hydrangea you have. Azores hydrangeas bloom on the branches of the previous year, so they should be pruned after flowering to favor new shoots that will bloom the following year. Nickel hydrangeas, on the other hand, bloom on new branches and can be pruned in winter or spring. In any case, remember to remove dry and damaged branches at any time of the year.
Circumcise
It is enough to prune the hydrangea twice a year, starting in February, after the frost period and before the spring bloom. To do this properly, you need to remove the weaker branches to thin the plant a bit. Then cut off the stems that formed flowers in the previous season to half their length, being careful not to cut off the new shoots. A second, less demanding pruning should be carried out at the end of flowering, towards the end of September, cutting only the largest branches and using the leaves that have already fallen to cover the roots in view of the drop in temperatures.
Fertilization
The fertilization period is concentrated in the spring between March and April and in the summer from June to July, and the main objective of good fertilization is to support the flowering of the plant. Since hydrangea is a plant that is particularly fond of potassium, you’ll need to get an acidophilic plant fertilizer or a fertilizer rich in potassium.
Bloom
Here too the flowering of hydrangeas varies according to the species and variety. It usually starts in spring or summer, but it can also last until fall. Some varieties are capable of producing flowers even in winter in temperate climates. Generally, they bloom between spring and summer and their colors are: white, pink, blue, purple, red, green or even multicolored.
Growing Hydrangeas in Pots
If you want to grow a hydrangea in pots, get a modest sized one (with a diameter of 50-60 cm) and always pay close attention to how moist the plant is, because as mentioned above, hydrangea needs a lot of water, even if it is never placed in direct sun. Then water it at night or early in the morning. If you can wet it twice a day and divide the amount of water, all the better. Do not use tap water if you already know that it is hard, that is, very hard. To remedy this, you can add half a cup of vinegar and let the water sit for at least a day.
How do I care for hydrangeas in winter?
Protect the hydrangea from temperature fluctuations in the colder season. Wrap the base of the plants with a layer of mulch or straw to protect the roots from the cold. You can also cover hydrangeas with a drop cloth or fleece cover to protect them from frost.
Diseases and pests
Although it is generally a hardy plant, hydrangea can also face some problems related to both external factors and improper care. For example, if the plant is watered with chalky water, the leaves tend to turn yellow: To fix the problem, you could start by simply watering it with rainwater. Fungal diseases, which are noticeable by small greenish-yellow spots on the leaves, can in turn be caused by too much or too little water. Among the animals that can attack the plant, you should be afraid of mealybugs and spider mites, which can yellow the leaves and cause them to fall off.
