Do you want a beautiful, colorful hydrangea bush on your balcony or in your garden? Here’s everything you need to know to care for it.
If you’re looking for a beautiful plant that grows luxuriantly and adds a touch of color to your garden, the hydrangea won’t disappoint : its bushes, in spring, bloom in a riot of wonderful hues that perfume the atmosphere. It’s the ideal choice if you have enough space, but some varieties also lend themselves to being planted in pots to brighten up your balcony. In addition, hydrangeas don’t require much attention and are easy to grow , adapting well to the Mediterranean climate. Let’s see how to grow them, both in the garden and in pots.
Hint
Hydrangea, the characteristics of the plant
How to Plant Hydrangeas
Potted
In the garden
How to Grow Hydrangeas
Hydrangea, the characteristics of the plant
Hydrangea (scientifically called Hydrangea ) is a flowering plant belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family: unbeatable in terms of ornamental species, it is characterized by large, very showy flowers, which can be of many different colors . Native to Asia and South America, it spread in the 18th century to England and then slowly to the rest of Europe, thanks to its adaptability even to the coldest temperatures.
There are several varieties of this plant: one of the most common is Hydrangea macrophylla , which gives life to beautiful bushes full of colorful flowers. Its main characteristic is the ability to produce different flowers depending on the type of soil in which it is planted. If they are acidic, they will actually be bluish; on the contrary, in basic or alkaline soil, the flowers that come out will have a very pretty pink or purple color.
Other varieties (including some climbing ones) are smaller and better suited to growing in pots . This is the case of Hydrangea panicula , the only species that produces white flowers: its small tree can reach up to 5 meters in height, but does not take up much space in width. However, all hydrangeas are easy to grow and do not require special attention. Their ideal habitat is cool and mild, so they should be placed away from direct sunlight , especially in summer or in the warmest regions. It also survives winter well, withstanding even the harshest temperatures.
How to Plant Hydrangeas
If you have decided to devote yourself to growing hydrangeas , there are a few steps you should follow to ensure a lush plant that produces beautiful flowers. First of all, choose carefully when to plant: if you are starting from seed, the best time is spring, around April . On the other hand, if you have bought a seedling already grown and only have to plant it, do it during the month of May or wait until autumn, between October and November.
When preparing the soil, remember that hydrangeas prefer a moist, humus-rich base , to be combined with natural fertilizers such as acid peat or manure. As we have seen, exposure is important: this plant grows best if placed in a well-ventilated area and protected from direct sunlight, except in winter. During the cold season, you can also move the pot inside your home, but leave it next to a window where it can receive sunlight. If the plant is in the garden, remember to mulch the soil to protect it from the coldest temperatures.
Potted
Now let’s see how to plant a hydrangea in a pot. First, choose a container that’s large enough, depending on the variety you’ve decided to sow. It’s important that the pot has holes in the bottom to allow the soil to drain water more efficiently. Fill it with soil (preferably suitable for hydrangeas) and use fertilizer to provide all the nutrients your seedling will need.
At this point, make a small hole in the soil and insert the seeds : you can also use one of the techniques to speed up the germination process, and only later transfer the germinated seed into the soil. If, on the other hand, you have purchased an already grown seedling, check that its roots are moist, you can immerse them in warm water for half an hour before transplanting them. Then dig a fairly deep hole and place the plant in it, then compact the soil with your hands. Whichever method you choose for planting hydrangeas, remember to water immediately afterwards.
In the garden
To plant a hydrangea in the garden, the same guidelines we’ve already seen apply. When preparing the soil, pay special attention to fertilization : since in this case you won’t have specific soil for hydrangeas, you’ll need to add a fertilizer that can guarantee the plant all the nutrition it needs to grow. Dig the soil deeply to soften it, then dig a small hole and insert the seeds or seedling you previously purchased. Compact the soil with your hands and water immediately : hydrangeas need water to grow, and are particularly sensitive to drought.
How to Grow Hydrangeas
Once you’ve planted your hydrangeas, the hard part is done: there are few precautions you need to take to ensure the seedlings grow as well as possible. Let’s start with watering , the most delicate part of any growing process. Since hydrangeas don’t like arid soil, you need to make sure that the soil it grows in is always sufficiently moist, but avoid dangerous waterlogging that could cause the roots to rot. The best way to understand if the plant needs water is to touch the soil with your fingers and feel if it’s still moist or if it’s drying out.
It is best to water abundantly during the budding period , while it can be reduced when the plant has already flowered. Water the soil early in the morning or in the evening after sunset, using water at room temperature. You can recycle rainwater, to also avoid problems deriving from a possible excessive presence of limestone. Then it is necessary to prune the hydrangea annually , starting from the third year of life: in autumn, after the flowering period, it will be necessary to remove the dry branches and faded flowers, to ensure that they do not steal food, water and light from the vital parts of the hydrangea plant.
Finally, remember to fertilize the plant periodically – especially in spring, when flowering begins – and check that it is not infested with pests . In the latter case, you can try some natural remedies to overcome ants, mealybugs, aphids and red mites, the most common “enemies” of hydrangeas.