Under trees and in partially shaded corners, hydrangeas enchant with their romantic vintage charm. If they are in the right place, they are also surprisingly easy to care for. The main flowering period is in July and August, which is why we would like to introduce the hydrangea to you in more detail in today's newsletter.
The hydrangea blooms most vigorously in semi-shade
Plant profile:
- Botanical name: Hydrangea
- Order: Dogwoods (Cornales)
- Genus: Hydrangea
- Family: Hydrangeaceae (hydrangea family)
- Growth: Woody semi-shrub.
- Height of growth: Up to two meters. Climbing hydrangeas can even climb up to 15 meters with the help of a climbing aid
- Main flowering period: June to September
- Leaf: Simple, ovate toothed, opposite
- Flowers: inflorescence in the form of a flat or spherical umbel (umbrella panicle)
- Flower shape: Small flowers form many-flowered clusters
- Flower color: blue, red, pink, violet, white
- Fruits: capsule fruits. In the case of the garden forms, no fertile fruits are usually to be expected
Special properties:
Fading hydrangeas show an impressive play of colours: the flower balls change color from their actual hue to dull green or rusty red, which gives the plant an extremely attractive, morbid charm.
Origin:
The flowering small shrubs originally come from Japan, where they have been cultivated in gardens for many centuries. The wild forms can be found in sparse forests and even inhabit altitudes of up to 3,400 meters.
Location and care:
In terms of location, the hydrangea is a specialist. They prefer a semi-shady or shady place that should be sheltered from the wind. Oak-leaved hydrangea and panicle hydrangea are exceptions, because these varieties also feel comfortable in the sun.
floor
Hydrangeas love nutritious, deep, humus-rich and loose soil. Contrary to what is often read, they do not necessarily have to be in an acidic substrate. The range in which the pH value should move depends on the color of the flower.
If you have a preference for blue flowers, you can encourage the desired color by adding three grams of alum per liter to the irrigation water.
Watering and fertilizing:
Translated, the name Hydrangea means “water slurper”. He describes the enormous thirst that the hydrangea has. For this reason, it is important that the substrate retains moisture well.
Pour preferably with soft, low-lime water from the rain barrel. Although the soil should always be kept moist, do not overdo it, as waterlogging quickly leads to root rot.
Hydrangeas are heavy feeders. Therefore, supply the plant with organic fertilizer or a special hydrangea fertilizer every two to three weeks until midsummer.
tips
Hydrangeas form magnificent umbels of flowers, but these can be too heavy for the stems. Give the small shrub additional support with plant supports or perennial holders so that the flowers don't snap off. The dense foliage means that the supports can hardly be seen, so that the appearance is not spoiled.