Hydrangeas are not only reliable flowering shrubs but they also add beauty to gardens of all sizes. Unlike most plants, they bloom for months instead of weeks, and even after they have faded, their blooms still add interest to the garden, especially in winter. Additionally, they make excellent flowers for cutting.
The great news is that hydrangeas are easy to grow, whether in pots or in the open ground. All they require is the right situation, ample water in dry weather, and occasional feeding with the appropriate fertilizer designed to enhance their growth.
Planting Hydrangeas
Pot-grown hydrangeas can be planted at any time of the year, either in the open ground or in containers using Vitax John Innes compost. Ensure you choose large enough pots to accommodate the plants for several years, as small containers tend to dry out quickly.
If planting in the open ground, prepare the soil well by adding garden compost or organic manure to improve its structure. Forking a few handfuls of 6X Natural Fibrous Fertilizer into the soil helps boost the humus content, which aids in water and nutrient retention in the future.
When planting, add a handful of Vitax Hydrangea Feed to the soil or compost for potted plants. This provides all the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and beautiful blooms.
Ideal Situation
Most hydrangeas thrive in open sunny areas but prefer light shade. They can grow in various soil types, even heavy clay, making them suitable for new-build gardens and wet, compacted soils. Since they require ample water, regularly adding organic compost or organic manure helps retain moisture in the soil. Mulching the ground around the plants with compost or bark early in the season, after applying Vitax Hydrangea Feed, can also help retain moisture.
Keeping Blue Hydrangeas Blue
The mophead and lace cap hydrangeas, which are varieties of Hydrangea macrophylla, offer a wide range of colors and are the most well-known. The color of their flowers often changes during the season and is affected by the soil’s pH level. In alkaline conditions, some varieties turn pink, while in neutral to acidic soil, they turn blue. To maintain the blue color, you can use Vitax Hydrangea Colourant. This can be added to the soil during planting or to the growing medium in a pot. It can also be diluted in water and applied to established plants. Remember, though, that it may take some time to see the desired results.
Other Types of Hydrangeas
Newly bred compact varieties of hydrangeas are ideal for small gardens. Many of them bloom on both the new season’s shoots and those formed in the previous year, resulting in more flowers.
Another excellent option is Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’. It forms upright stems with soft leaves and large, frothy, white flowerheads. ‘Annabelle’ thrives in the light shade of trees and creates a spectacular display when in bloom.
Hydrangea paniculata varieties are also becoming increasingly popular. They flower in late summer, producing large, conical flower heads resembling lilacs at the tips of the shoots. Most of them are white, sometimes with a hint of pink or burgundy. They make perfect back-of-border plants alongside perennials.
Pruning Hydrangeas
Pruning hydrangeas is a simple task.
For macrophylla hydrangeas, leave the flower heads on the plants over winter and cut back each stem to the first pair of fat buds behind the flower in spring. In the case of old, established plants, some of the older stems can be cut right to the ground in winter.
For paniculata hydrangeas, prune them hard in late winter by cutting back by half to two-thirds. Retain a strong branch framework at the base of the plant, as this will produce vigorous shoots with flowers at the tips.
Arborescens hydrangeas should be pruned by cutting back all stems to 15cm (6ins) in late winter. This may seem drastic, but it ensures the growth of strong shoots that will stay upright.
Feeding Hydrangeas
After pruning, or at any time during the growing season, feed your hydrangeas by sprinkling Vitax Hydrangea Feed around the plants. Work it into the soil surface with a fork or hoe, and make sure to water thoroughly. With the right care, your hydrangeas will respond with fabulous flowers and foliage, providing one of the longest-lasting flower shows in your garden.
By Andy McIndoe for Vitax
