How to care for hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are growing in popularity, probably because they make such a great addition to your garden. One of the most exciting things about hydrangeas is that you can control the color of the flowers my manipulating the acidity of the soil you grow them in. More on that later.

There are over one hundred different species and subspecies of hydrangeas.  Luckily, the care and growing process for hydrangeas is fairly similar for all of them.  If you’re planning on growing hydrangeas in your own garden, this guide will help you. 

Light and hydrangeas

Where you plant your hydrangeas is very important.  Some shade is necessary for most hydrangeas, as most of them are natural woodland plants.  However, the plants that are in full shade will not grow. Mid-day sun can burn the flowers, but exposure to morning to late afternoon sun is acceptable.

This may seem obvious, but it's still important to note that the more sun a hydrangea plant gets, the more water is required.

Soil for hydrangeas

Usually, soil that retains moisture is the best for hydrangea growth, but they are able to grow in most soil types. As long as the soil isn’t completely dried out, most hydrangeas can survive. One thing to remember is to make sure that the soil drains well.  Too much watering causes damage to the root system. 

The type of soil you use will reflect the color of the flowers, ranging from pink to blue.  If you have a specific color in mind, it is a good idea to find out what type of soil produces what colors.

In general, the more acidic soils produce blue flowers.  This can be achieved by adding iron sulfate to include acid.  Alkaline soils tend to produce pink or even white flowers. Adding lime to the soil can make give it more alkaline.  Adjust the pH levels to get the color you desire.

Watering

Frequent watering are necessary with the growth of hydrangeas. Mulch, like most plants, is a good idea, as it holds in the water.  The utilization of fertilizer isn’t required all the time.  The best way to use fertilizer is applying it during the late winter or early spring. 

Pruning

As most of us know, pruning keeps your plants alive and healthy. Removing dead wood and flowers is the only pruning that is absolutely needed.  If shaping the hydrangeas is what you’re interested in, there are specific times that work best.  Keep track of when the hydrangeas bloom.  If they are in bloom the current year, it is ideal to prune in the late winter or even early spring.  If the hydrangeas bloomed in the previous year, it’s best to prune right after it blooms.

Propagation

If the proper steps are performed, propagation is a great idea to obtain more plants without purchasing them.  Clip right at the base of the flower.  Wrap the stem in a wet paper towel for two weeks, making sure that the towel stays wet.  By the time those two weeks are up, new roots should begin to form.  Once it gets to this point, place the plant in a pot of fertilized soil.  Don’t place it in direct sunlight because it may be too sensitive.  Once the roots are strongly established, it is then time to plant outside.

Knowing how to care for hydrangeas correctly can result in beautiful plants for you to enjoy. It is fairly simple and requires specific time and attention that most plants need.  In the coming years, you will have beautiful hydrangeas for your garden!