How to Grow Hydrangeas

Grow Hydrangeas Grow Hydrangeas How To How To

Hydrangea Characteristics Hydrangea Characteristics According to folklore, blue hydrangea flowers symbolize remorse and gratitude, while pink hydrangea flowers signal romance. According to folklore, blue hydrangea flowers symbolize remorse and gratitude, while pink hydrangea flowers signal romance.

Recommended Hydrangea Varieties Recommended Hydrangea Varieties - Macrophylla ( H. macrophylla) - Smooth ( H. arborescens ) - Panicle ( H. paniculata ) - Oakleaf ( H. quercifolia ) - Climbing ( H. anomala ) - Macrophylla ( H. macrophylla) - Smooth ( H. arborescens ) - Panicle ( H. paniculata ) - Oakleaf ( H. quercifolia ) - Climbing ( H. anomala )

Planting Hydrangeas Planting Hydrangeas The best time to plant hydrangeas is in fall or spring. Either season provides the plant time to develop a healthy root system before producing flowers. Most hydrangeas prefer a location with partial sun. The best time to plant hydrangeas is in fall or spring. Either season provides the plant time to develop a healthy root system before producing flowers. Most hydrangeas prefer a location with partial sun.

Watering Hydrangea Watering Hydrangea Water plants deeply three times a week throughout the growing season for the first year or two after planting to encourage root growth. Water plants deeply three times a week throughout the growing season for the first year or two after planting to encourage root growth.

Fertilizing Hydrangeas Fertilizing Hydrangeas Unless your soil is poor, you probably won’t need to fertilize your hydrangeas! If a soil test indicates the need for fertilizer, an organic, slow-release fertilizer is best. Unless your soil is poor, you probably won’t need to fertilize your hydrangeas! If a soil test indicates the need for fertilizer, an organic, slow-release fertilizer is best.

Pruning Hydrangeas Pruning Hydrangeas Prune those that bloom on new growth in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Those that bloom on old growth should be pruned after blooming, which gives them time to develop “old” wood before the next season to support plenty of buds. Prune those that bloom on new growth in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Those that bloom on old growth should be pruned after blooming, which gives them time to develop “old” wood before the next season to support plenty of buds.

Propagating Hydrangeas Propagating Hydrangeas Bigleaf and panicle hydrangeas can be propagated through layering . Smooth and oakleaf hydrangeas set out shoots through underground stems. Gardeners can dig them up and transplant them. Bigleaf and panicle hydrangeas can be propagated through layering . Smooth and oakleaf hydrangeas set out shoots through underground stems. Gardeners can dig them up and transplant them.

Safety Considerations Safety Considerations All parts of hydrangeas are toxic to humans, cats, dogs, horses, goats, cows, rabbits, and other livestock. Even dried hydrangea leaves and blooms are toxic. All parts of hydrangeas are toxic to humans, cats, dogs, horses, goats, cows, rabbits, and other livestock. Even dried hydrangea leaves and blooms are toxic.

Potential Pests and Diseases Potential Pests and Diseases Although hydrangeas generally are not subject to serious diseases or pest problems, Japanese beetles, aphids, and spider mites can affect the plants. Although hydrangeas generally are not subject to serious diseases or pest problems, Japanese beetles, aphids, and spider mites can affect the plants.

Preparing Hydrangeas for Winter Preparing Hydrangeas for Winter Some experts advise making a cage to cover the entire plant. Continue watering until the ground freezes and dress the soil with compost to provide food for the winter. Some experts advise making a cage to cover the entire plant. Continue watering until the ground freezes and dress the soil with compost to provide food for the winter.

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