The hydrangea is a perennial flowering plant that also thrives in pots. With its large umbels of flowers, it gives the patio a romantic touch throughout the summer. In particular, the attractive new breeds with their brightly colored flowers are suitable for balcony greening.

With the right care, hydrangeas also thrive on the balcony or terrace

The right location

Hydrangeas are not sun worshipers and prefer shady locations. An east, west or even north-facing balcony is ideal. On a south-facing balcony you should give the hydrangea a sunny location or shade the plant during the hot midday hours.

The hydrangea is very thirsty

The plant name "Hydrangea" comes from the Greek and means "water-pulling" and stands for the great thirst of the hydrangea. It feels extremely well in permanently damp soil, but at the same time reacts sensitively to overwetting. You can already prevent this during planting:

  • Only plant hydrangeas in containers with drainage holes.
  • Cover them with pottery shards.
  • Fill the planter with a drainage layer made of expanded clay (€19.73).
  • Place the hydrangea in special hydrangea or alternatively rhododendron soil.

Water moderately but regularly

The hydrangea is also very sensitive to drought. On hot summer days, we recommend watering the flowering plant in the morning and evening, as the substrate in the bucket can only store a limited amount of water. Pour away excess liquid in the saucer after a quarter of an hour so that the roots do not remain in the water all the time.

Don't forget to fertilize

In order for the hydrangea in the pot to produce new umbels of flowers throughout the summer, you need regular fertilizer. Preferably use hydrangea fertilizer, the nutrient composition of which is optimally tailored to the needs of the plant, or alternatively a rhododendron or azalea fertilizer.

Blue hydrangeas have special requirements

If you are caring for a blue hydrangea, it is also necessary to add commercially available hydrangea blue to the irrigation water twice a year. You should also water these hydrangeas from time to time with vinegar water, which should have a pH of around 4.0 to 4.5. This naturally acidifies the soil so that the plant can absorb the potash alum contained in this remedy. You can measure the pH value of the water and the substrate yourself with test sticks that you can get from garden retailers.

tips and tricks

Although hydrangeas are relatively resistant to diseases and pests, spider mites or aphids occasionally nest in the potted plants. Therefore, check the hydrangea regularly for infestation. If detected early, the pests can be successfully combated with natural means.

Category:

Vegetable garden