It is worth planting them in groups to get a full, colorful discount. Bouquet hydrangeas are great as green fences. And in combination with roses, lavender or funks, they create an extremely romantic composition.
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Types of hydrangea
The most popular in Polish gardens, known for large, spherical inflorescences, is garden hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla). Requires slightly sour soil and protection against frost. Bouquet hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata), is characterized by conical inflorescences and tolerates the sun better than garden hydrangea. It is perfect for discounts and hedges. Hydrangea arborescens, for beautiful, white flowers and is more resistant to frost. It can be planted in less favorable conditions. Dębolist hydrangea (Hydrangea Quercifolia), decorative thanks to both flowers and leaves resembling an oak form. Requires quiet places in the garden.
Hydrangea. Changing the colors of flowers
Not everyone knows that the color of garden hydrangea flowers depends on the pH of the soil. To get (or maintain) a blue shade, the soil should be sour (pH below 5.5). You can achieve this effect by using aluminum sulfate or special soil acidification preparations. Pink flowers appear on hydrangeas planted in alkaline soils (pH above 6.0). To raise the pH, use limestone fertilizers. However, the white hydrangea color is independent of the soil pH. When starting to change the color of the flowers, remember that it lasts even several months from the use of appropriate resources.
Hydrangeas. Best position
Hydrangeas grow best in partial shade, where they have access to dispersed light. Avoid planting in a position with access to full sun. Too intense rays can burn leaves and weaken flowering. Place hydrangeas in slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5), fertile and well -permeable soil. If the earth in your garden is too basic, you can acidify it with peat or special preparations available in garden stores.
Hydrangeas. Watering and fertilization
Hydrangeas are plants that require regular watering, especially during dry summer. On hot days, water the hydrangeas at least twice a week, preferably in the morning or evening to avoid water evaporation. Use soft water, e.g. rainwater. In order for hydrangeas to develop properly, they need the right nutrients. Choose fertilizers for hydrangeas that contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In spring, use fertilizers with a higher nitrogen content, and in the summer rich in phosphorus, which supports flowering. You can also use compost or manure as an ecological alternative to artificial fertilizers.
Hydrangeas. Pruning and protection against pests
Pruning is an important element of care that affects the appearance and health of plants. Cruel bouquet and shrubs in early spring before they start releasing new shoots. Garden hydrangeas only require removal of faded flowers. Use sharp tools for cutting to avoid damage to the shoots. Cut above a healthy bud to stimulate the plant to grow. Hydrangeas can be exposed to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or leaf spot, so regularly remove fallen leaves and take care of proper air circulation around plants. In case of infection, use fungicidal preparations available in garden stores. Hydrangeas sometimes also attack aphids and spider mites. You can fight them with natural agents, such as garlic extract or potassium soap.
Why do hydrangea leaves turn yellow?
Yellowing of hydrangea leaves can be caused by a lack of iron (chlorose). Use a chelate fertilizer with iron to deal with the problem. In turn, drying the edges of the leaves is usually caused by too little water. Make sure the plant is properly watered.
Why are hydrangeas not blooming?
Lack of hydrangea flowering often results from improper pruning of bushes. According to experts, the best time for cutting garden hydrangeas is time from March to April. After frosts, when the plant begins to release the leaves. It is important to remove only dry inflorescences and shoots, because garden hydrangeas bloom on last year’s shoots, so they must not be cut. However, bouquet hydrangea needs our attention after winter. At the end of March, when there is no risk of more frosts, we can start cutting the bushes. First, we remove lean shoots. We cut them out at the trunk, thanks to which the plant will not waste energy into small branches, it will give all the energy to thicker trunks, from which the most magnificent flowers arise. In the case of thicker shoots, we cut above the third eye. We use sharp tools for this so as not to damage the plant. Of course, after winter, we also remove old and dry branches. Then water or sprinkle the plant with fertilizer and water if it is dry.
Securing hydrangea for the winter
Garden and oak hydrangeas require frost protection. Apply a layer of bark, peat or leaves around the base of the bush to protect the roots from the cold. Young plants or those planted in windy places can be additionally covered with agrotextile or straw mats. Transfer hydrangeas in pots to a cool, but sheltered room, e.g. a garage.
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