This hydrangea forms enchanting flower balls that can reach a diameter of up to 25 centimetres. When dried, you can use the flowers of this garden beauty for drying arrangements, flower balls or laid loosely in bowls as charming room decorations.
The snowball hydrangea impresses with spherical flower formations
growth habit
The ball hydrangea is up to about 150 centimeters high and reaches about the same width free-standing. This hydrangea is one of the fast-growing varieties and forms many basic shoots that grow compact and densely bushy.
location
Like all hydrangea species, the snowball hydrangea also prefers a sunny spot. The radiant white flower balls come into their own in the shade. The soil should be rich in nutrients and be able to store moisture well. Waterlogging, on the other hand, should be avoided, as the hydrangea does not like standing in water and quickly reacts to too much moisture with root rot.
pruning
Unlike many hydrangeas, the ball hydrangea sets the flowers on this year's wood. Therefore, you can cut back this hydrangea in the spring and don't have to do without the abundance of flowers of the garden beauty.
Break or cut out faded flowers frequently throughout the summer. As a result, the hydrangea constantly forms new flower balls on these shoots and blooms profusely from June to September.
hardiness
Known for their exceptional frost resistance, snowball hydrangeas thrive in harsh climates. If the hydrangea freezes back a bit in very cold years, you should cut the shrub out in the spring. The hydrangea follows quickly and soon starts new flowers.
watering and fertilizing
The snowball hydrangea must never dry out completely and must be watered regularly whenever the top inches of soil feel dry. Fertilize twice a year with a special hydrangea fertilizer that should contain some iron. Alternatively, rhododendron or azalea fertilizer is also suitable.
tips and tricks
Pretty hydrangea balls can be stuck from the dried flowers of the hydrangea. Dry the buds and stick them tightly together in a Stypropor ball.