How can I tell what type of hydrangea bush I have?
Blue blooms are a giveaway you have a Big Leaf Hydrangea, Hydrangea macrophylla. If you have a hydrangea with globes of white blooms in a shrub form, you have either an Smooth hydrangea, our native form, or a white Big Leaf hydrangea. The bigleaf variety blooms for a while, they’re one of the longest blooming hydrangeas last from late June into August. For repeat blooms select a variety like Endless Summer or Forever and Ever.Hydrangea ‘All Summer Beauty’ ‘All Summer Beauty’, a bigleaf hydrangea, is a deciduous flowering shrub offering year-round interest. Super-floriferous, creating a long, seasonal floral display, ‘All Summer Beauty’ blooms in showy mophead inflorescences on old wood in midsummer and reblooms on new wood into fall.
What’s the difference between a hydrangea bush and a hydrangea tree?
We’re all used to the gorgeous hydrangea bushes, blessing our gardens with their beauty. But, have you heard of hydrangea trees? A hydrangea tree is nothing more than a shrub that has been trained to grow tall like a tree. Hydrangea trees are considered a medium to small tree, so they shouldn’t take over any areas. Avoid feeding hydrangeas after August, especially in regions with cold winters. A slow-release plant food works well. For best results, try Miracle-Gro® Shake ‘n Feed® Flowering Trees & Shrubs Plant Food, which feeds for up to 3 months.Hydrangeas can be grown in containers; however, for longevity, planting in the ground is best. If grown in pots, it is usually best to pick a dwarf variety in order to accommodate growing needs.However, most varieties of hydrangeas take two to four years to mature to full size.So, when is the best time to plant hydrangeas? Aim for late spring, well after any danger of frost has passed, or early fall, when night temperatures usher in cooler air. If you garden in a region where the ground freezes, get plants into the ground at least six weeks prior to fall’s first killing frost.
What is the most popular hydrangea type?
Blue hydrangeas are probably one of the most popular variants, but this beautiful flower can also come in white, pink, red, green, and purple. Interestingly, did you know that certain species of hydrangeas can change colors, depending on the growing soil’s acidity or alkalinity. Want to turn your hydrangeas blue? It will take some time, but used dry coffee grounds can alter the ph level of the soil. Coffee grounds increase the soil’s acidity. Acidic soil (low pH) favors blue flowers, while alkaline soil (high pH) favors pink flowers.Epsom salt won’t help hydrangeas bloom or change color—it doesn’t affect the soil in a way that generally boosts flowers. However, you can add Epsom salt if a soil test indicates a magnesium deficiency. To turn hydrangeas blue, lower your soil’s pH using sulfur—not Epsom salt.Want to turn your hydrangeas blue? It will take some time, but used dry coffee grounds can alter the ph level of the soil. Coffee grounds increase the soil’s acidity. Acidic soil (low pH) favors blue flowers, while alkaline soil (high pH) favors pink flowers.Coffee grounds can slightly lower the pH of your soil, making it more acidic. This is perfect for plants like azaleas, potatoes, and peppers.
What is the lifespan of a hydrangea?
Hydrangeas are long-lived shrubs, sometimes living for up to 50 years if properly cared for. They enjoy morning sun but afternoon shade, and they need frequent watering during the growing season. Avoid pruning Hydrangeas in the Autumn or winter! The flower buds protect the hydrangea in winter from freezing temperatures and add winter interest in your garden. One reason the Soto team love Hydrangeas so much is for their beautiful skeletal form in the winter. Prune hydrangeas before the first frost.Consistent moisture is crucial for hydrangeas, but overwatering can be detrimental. The key is to water the base of the plant deeply, adjusting frequency based on weather conditions. Beyond watering, successful hydrangea care involves proper pruning, understanding soil pH, and knowing the variety’s light requirements.You can clip the dead flowers off the plant just below the bloom, or leave it on the plant into the winter. Most dried hydrangea flowers break off sometime in the winter and any that remain on the plant can be removed in the spring. Don’t “neaten them up”!The “beginner” hydrangea, or one that requires the lowest maintenance, are the oakleaf varieties. Not only do they tolerate colder weather and can withstand drought, but they are also more resistant to diseases and pests. These hydrangeas can even grow in sandy soil, and they love the sun!
What is the easiest hydrangea to grow?
Also known by the common name PeeGee, panicle hydrangeas are robust plants with excellent hardiness, and drought tolerance. They thrive in the hot and humid summers of the deep South and shrug off frigid northern winters. These are the easiest hydrangea to grow, but you wouldn’t know it from their over-sized blooms. Perennials To Plant With Hydrangeas Shade tolerant perennials make excellent partners next to hydrangeas. Some of the best are hostas, ferns, foxglove & coral bells. Many upright hydrangeas create a shady area under their foliage. This is a great location for planting shade-loving hostas.For a hydrangea, sun or shade requirements vary depending on the type. For a spot with full sun, choose a panicle hydrangea or oakleaf hydrangea. These are two of the most sun and heat-tolerant hydrangeas you can grow.Not all plants pair well with hydrangeas. Here are some combinations to avoid: Sunflower prefers full sun and hotter conditions than hydrangeas, which require some shade. Lavender is a sun-loving perennial that performs best in dry conditions and leaner soil, so will not thrive near hydrangeas.
Do hydrangeas like sun or shade?
Most common hydrangeas prefer a partial sun location – ideally receiving sun in the morning hours and shade in the afternoon. The reblooming Endless Summer® Hydrangea series prefers part shade. Adding mulch to your hydrangea after thoroughly watering helps retain moisture (and warmth) at the shrub’s crown when temperatures drop. Use a thick layer of hardwood mulch, up to 12 inches at the base of your hydrangea, and that’s it!Watering at the base mitigates the risk of foliar disease, which can happen when you water from the top and the foliage gets wet. Water your hydrangea until the soil is thoroughly moist. It’s best to water your plants early morning or later evening when the sun isn’t as intense.Avoid pruning Hydrangeas in the Autumn or winter! The flower buds protect the hydrangea in winter from freezing temperatures and add winter interest in your garden.The best time to plant hydrangeas is early fall or spring, depending on your region. In areas with mild winters, planting in September or October allows the roots to establish before winter dormancy. In colder climates, it’s better to plant in early to mid-spring (April or May) after the risk of frost has passed.