Hydrangea is a plant that can be grown in a pot or in the garden and placed in shade or partial shade.
Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is an ornamental plant of Asian origin that prefers shade and rich soil . A plant that does not require special care: it withstands the winter well and in the spring produces flowering that is a real explosion of colors. Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is an ornamental plant of Asian origin that prefers shade and rich soils. A plant that does not require special care: in fact, it withstands the winter well and in spring produces flowering that is a real explosion of colors.
In fact, you should know that hydrangea is part of the deciduous plants , that is, all plants that do not like direct exposure to the sun. So if you don’t have a south or east-facing lawn or balcony , you can have guaranteed flowers thanks to these plants (except for hydrangea, camellia, astrantia, bellflower, viburnum and most ferns). shade.
How to grow hydrangeas
Hydrangeas can be grown from seed by cutting them or by purchasing a plant from a nursery and planting it. If you already have one, you can harvest the seeds once the flowers have faded and the small green pods containing the seeds are ripe. Then collect the capsules and let them dry in a cool, dry place for a few days.
When to grow hydrangeas
The best time to plant hydrangea coincides with autumn , between October and November, and in spring between March and April. If you want to plant hydrangea from cuttings , the best time is autumn, even better if this operation is carried out in October.
Soil and irrigation
Choose acidophilic soil for growing hydrangeas . Remember that the soil must always be moist . The hydrangea, even if it remains in the shade, requires a lot of water, especially when it is in flower, but always be aware of stagnant water and the possible presence of limestone, because your plant could die. Otherwise, water it directly to the roots, even twice a day during the summer.
Temperature and exposure
As I explained to you right away, you should not expose your hydrangea to direct sunlight: the plant prefers to be placed 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 soil with mulch , so that the hydrangea can withstand even the harshest period.
How to grow hydrangeas in pots.
However, if you have decided to grow hydrangeas in pots, know that they must be large enough to accommodate the plant and give it enough space to grow. Make sure the container has drainage holes in the bottom to drain excess water. A pot diameter of at least 30-40 cm is generally recommended for placing one hydrangea plant . There are several varieties of hydrangeas that are more suitable for growing in pots :
- hawk hydrangea
- paniculate hydrangea
How to care for hydrangeas
Caring for this plant depends to a large extent on the specific variety and the environmental conditions in which they grow. The specific needs of each variety of hydrangea must be taken into account. Example? Some may require more pruning, while others may be more cold or drought tolerant.
Irrigation
Like many plants, hydrangeas also need adequate watering. Keep the soil constantly moist , but not waterlogged. Avoid excessive drying of the soil as well as water stagnation. Drip or foot irrigation is preferred to avoid wetting the leaves and flowers, as this can contribute to the occurrence of fungal diseases.
Pruning
Pruning also varies depending on the type of hydrangea you have. Azores hydrangeas bloom on the previous year’s branches, so it’s best to prune them after they bloom to encourage new shoots that will bloom the following year.
Paniculate hydrangeas, on the other hand, bloom on new branches and can be cut in winter or spring. In any case, remember to remove dry and damaged branches at any time of the year.
Pruning
It is enough to cut the hydrangea twice a year , starting in February , after the end of the frost period and before the spring flower. To do this in the most correct way, you will need to remove the weakest branches to thin out the plant slightly. Then cut the stems that produced flowers last season to half their length, being careful not to cut off the new shoots. Then make the second, less demanding cut at the end of the flower, at the end of September , cut only the largest branches and, in case of a drop in temperature, use the fallen leaves to cover the roots.
Fertilization
Fertilizing periods are concentrated in the spring, between March and April, and in the summer, between June and July, and the main goal of good fertilization is to encourage the flowering of the plant . Since hydrangea is a plant that particularly likes potassium , you will need to get a fertilizer for acid-loving plants or a fertilizer rich in this mineral.
Bloom
Also in this case, the flowering of hydrangeas varies depending on the species and variety. It usually begins in the spring or summer, but can continue into the fall. Some varieties can produce flowers even in winter when the climate is mild. They generally bloom between spring and summer and their colors are: white, pink, blue, purple, red, green or even multi-colored.
Growing hydrangeas in pots.
If you want to grow hydrangea in a pot , get one of the modest sizes (with a diameter of 50-60 cm) and always pay close attention to how much you water the plant, because as we have already mentioned, hydrangea requires a lot of water. , although it is never placed in direct sunlight. Water in the afternoon or early morning . If you can water it twice a day, the amount of water is much better. Do not use tap water if you already know it is hard, i.e. very calcareous. To remedy this, you can add half a cup of vinegar and let the water sit for at least a day.
How to care for hydrangeas in winter.
In the colder season, protect the hydrangea from temperature changes. Wrap the base of the plants with a layer of mulch or straw to insulate the roots from the cold. You can also cover hydrangeas with a cloth or fleece to protect them from frost.
Diseases and parasites
Although it is a generally hardy plant, hydrangea can also encounter some problems, both with external factors and with insufficient care.
For example, when a plant is watered with water containing limestone, the leaves will tend to turn yellow : you solve the problem by simply starting to water it with rainwater .
Any fungal disease , indicated by the presence of small green-yellow spots on the leaves , can in turn be caused by excessive or insufficient water. Among the animals that can attack the plant, we must be afraid of mealybugs and red spiders , which can turn the leaves yellow and cause them to fall .
