Whether it’s for spring, summer or fall, hydrangeas are the eye-catching clustered flowers you would like to have in your garden. These beautiful flowers require minimal care, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be an easy task!
There are different varieties of hydrangea and there is no general method that would fit all kinds.
Each distinct type of hydrangea has their own unique growing requirement that one must consider.
Learning the proper way on how to take care of your hydrangeas will ensure that this flower head continue to deliver a lifetime of beauty in your garden.
This involves knowing the amount of sunlight and water your hydrangeas should get, where it's best to plant them, and how pruning hydrangeas is done. It is also important for improving a shrub’s vigor and increasing the size of the flowers.
We have a few tips to help. Below are types of hydrangea and how to care for them.
Bigleaf Hydrangeas or Hydrangea Macrophylla, are originally from Japan and can come from three different colors: pink, blue and white. One of its distinct features is its color-changing property which depends on the condition of the soil where it is planted. If you find yourself wanting another color, you can alter the pH level of your soil by using fertilizers or soil modifiers. Aside from this unique characteristic, this popular flower also comes in two different flower types: the mophead with large and spherical flower heads, and lacecaps with small flat-headed flowers encompassed by bigger ones.
This plant grows best under partial to full shade, with moist and well-draining soil to keep it hydrated. Like most hydrangeas, the Bigleaf requires minimal maintenance along with very little pruning. To achieve its best bloom, they should be pruned after it finishes blooming in late summer. A sharp pruning shears that produce precise cuts like the PrecisionPRO pruning shears should be used to avoid snipping away any flower buds.
The Mountain Hydrangeas or Hydrangea Macrophylla Ssp. Serrata are a subspecies of Bigleaf Hydrangea. This makes its flowers change into blue or pink, depending whether the soil composition is acidic or alkaline. It can grow from two to three feet tall, making it a good low border around terraces or decked areas.
This plant can tolerate full sun to partial shade. Its soil must be continuously moist and well-draining so it won’t dry out. Pruning this type is similar to how you’d prune Bigleaf Hydrangeas.
The name itself describes the way this hydrangea grows: by slowly climbing up a tree or other support like fences and railings. This versatile vine is also popular, one that requires very little care on its first few years.
This plant grows well both under the range of full sun to full shade. However, Hydrangeas may suffer from lack of flowers if it does not receive enough sunlight and may dry out under intense heat. It’s best to position them on an area that will protect them from the sun along with a consistently moist soil to avoid root rot.
When it comes to pruning, it’s best not to prune them during their first two or three years. You can start trimming them once it established itself in order to prevent it from becoming overgrown. Like the Bigleaf, it's best to prune these climbers after they bloom. Remove any unhealthy or damaged branches and cut them back lightly using your pruners. Climbing Hydrangeas can also grow vigorously and might need late winter pruning to control its size. For this case, you can cut them back to ground level in early spring.
The beautiful Hydrangea Arborescens or Smooth Hydrangea comes with large and showy flowers that start off as pale green on its first bloom before developing into a creamy white color. Although sometimes it comes in pink, it’s unlikely for this plant to change color like the Bigleaf Hydrangeas.
It grows best on a slightly acidic and well-draining soil to prevent the roots from rotting and to keep the plant hydrated. Just make sure to keep the soil moist especially during summer when the heat is scorching hot. A partially shaded spot works best for this plant although it can tolerate full sun. As part of caring for this plant, don’t forget pruning them heavily during winter in order to encourage lots of flower next season. Keep in mind to cut the plant almost back to ground level in winter because the blooms appear on new growth.
During fall season, the oak leaf-shaped foliage of the Hydrangea Quercifolia or Oak Leaf Hydrangeas turn into shades of brilliant orange, yellow and red. This type requires less water and is tolerant of dry conditions unlike any other hydrangeas. Its blooms are available white or pale pink, which can be in single-flower or double-flower form.
Place this hydrangea under partial or full shade, on an area that will give it enough sunlight so that it can change its leaf color by fall. The soil should also be well-draining but be careful not to overwater because it may cause the soil to be soggy, ultimately leading to root rot.
The Panicle Hydrangeas or Hydrangea Paniculata got its name from its ability to form a cone or panicle shape when its flowers grow in clusters which enables them to recover well from heavy pruning. Its colors vary from the creamy color white, to green or soft pink, and can grow from 8 to 15 feet.
This tough flower can survive different climates and temperatures which makes it the best option for those who struggle in growing other varieties of Hydrangea because of harsh weather conditions.
Which hydrangea caught your interest? Are you planning to plant it next season?
Make sure to apply the useful tips you found here and expect a beautiful season with these flower heads!
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