So far, the more delicate plate hydrangea has been overshadowed by the more conspicuous peasant hydrangea - completely unnecessary, because the mostly two-colored flowering hydrangea species is in no way inferior to its relatives in terms of beauty. However, it is far better suited for cultivation in German gardens, as it is significantly less sensitive to cold and other adverse weather conditions.

In acidic soil, plate hydrangeas turn blue

How often should you water a plate hydrangea?

Like all hydrangeas, plate hydrangeas have a high water requirement. You should water the plant on hot summer days and during longer periods of drought, sometimes two to three times a day.

Which fertilizer is best for the plate hydrangea?

Of course, special hydrangea fertilizer is best suited, but rhododendron and azalea fertilizer is also well tolerated by the flowering shrubs. In terms of organic fertilizers, the plant benefits above all from mature mixed compost (which contains coffee grounds), horn shavings (€32.93) and cattle manure.(€18.80)

Can the plate hydrangea also be cultivated in a bucket?

Since plate hydrangeas are nowhere near as big and wide as other types of hydrangea, they are wonderfully suited for cultivation in a bucket.

How do I get my plate hydrangea to bloom blue?

Not only farmer's hydrangeas can bloom in shades of blue, many varieties of hydrangea also take on this beautiful shade. However, the blue coloring only appears under the right conditions: the plant must be in slightly acidic soil and it must also be fertilized regularly with a special aluminum fertilizer called "hydrangea blue".

What is the easiest way to propagate the plate hydrangea?

Plate hydrangeas are very easy to propagate using top cuttings. A division of the shrub is also possible.

Can you cut the plate hydrangea?

Just like peasant hydrangeas, plate hydrangeas should not be cut back too much, as they bloom on the previous year's wood. At most, a gentle topiary and removing the old inflorescences makes sense. In addition, the shrubs should be rejuvenated every few years.

If so, when is the best time to cut back?

If a cut is necessary, reach for the pruning shears in early spring, before they sprout.

What signs of illness should I look out for in the plate hydrangea?

Actually, plate hydrangeas are quite insensitive to infestation with pests, bacteria, viruses or fungi. However, as soon as the leaves turn yellow, your hydrangea is probably suffering from a nutrient deficiency known as chlorosis.

Is the plate hydrangea hardy?

In principle, plate hydrangeas are much less sensitive to frost and other winter nuisances than farmer's hydrangeas. Nevertheless, they should be provided with winter protection (e.g. a branch cover).

tips and tricks

Planting with plate hydrangeas also makes more sense from an ecological point of view, as their proportion of fertile flowers is much higher. They thus offer bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects a valuable source of food.

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Vegetable garden