Hydrangeas - How Do They Grow?
They come in varieties of blue, purple, pink, violet, green, and white, With clusters of blooms sure to delight.
And when summer is over and all the leaves gone, In the springtime when the soil warms, they'll be out on the lawn.
Showing off their new dress in sparkling summer sun Dancing and cavorting, having jolly good fun.
Hydrangeas come from a family of over 23 species with blooms in the summertime.
The H.
macrophyllas which include the mop heads and lace caps are the most common variety and come in colors of blue and pink.
Other varieties include H.
paniculata (peegee), H.
quercifolia or Oakleaf hydrangea, H.
arborescens, or smooth hydrangea and H.
petiolaris, a climbing variety.
When shopping, try to purchase a plant already in bloom to ensure you have the right variety! They make excellent border plants.
Essential Ingredients: oMorning sun and filtered afternoon light.
oGood drainage to prevent root rot but adequate watering.
oFertilizing with compost, manure, or time release fertilizer (10-10-10) 2X.
In May and July for warm climates; in June and July for colder regions.
oWhen transferring from pot to garden, do so in early spring or fall.
Steps for rooting from an established plant 1.
Cut a 5-6" stalk from a non-flowering branch.
2.
Remove lower leaves and cut bigger leaves in half.
3.
Insert stem in rooting hormone then place in coarse sand or moist vermiculite.
4.
Cover with plastic, avoiding contact with leaves.
5.
Situate in well lit area but not in the sun as plant will get overheated.
6.
Water as needed when soil becomes dry.
7.
Complete this process in the summer time to ensure plant is rooted and ready for winter.
Roots will appear within 2-3 weeks.
The color of some varieties is dependent on pH of the soil.
Blue blooms need pH of 5.
5 or lower; pink blooms: 6.
5 or higher and between 5.
5 and 6.
5 will yield purple blooms.
To raise pH, add lime; to lower it, add aluminum sulphate.
Hydrangeas are relatively pest free if planted in suitable soil with adequate sunlight.
Not enough light or improper pruning will diminish blooms.
Prune before July to ensure next summers flowering.
The climbing variety can get up to 80 stories tall and can be a beautiful adornment for cottage, tree, rock pile, trellis, or gazebo.
Plants can be preserved by cutting from shrub when almost dried and placing in attic or vase to complete.
They make beautiful bouquets for most any occasion.
Here's to beautiful blooms and glamorous gardens!
And when summer is over and all the leaves gone, In the springtime when the soil warms, they'll be out on the lawn.
Showing off their new dress in sparkling summer sun Dancing and cavorting, having jolly good fun.
Hydrangeas come from a family of over 23 species with blooms in the summertime.
The H.
macrophyllas which include the mop heads and lace caps are the most common variety and come in colors of blue and pink.
Other varieties include H.
paniculata (peegee), H.
quercifolia or Oakleaf hydrangea, H.
arborescens, or smooth hydrangea and H.
petiolaris, a climbing variety.
When shopping, try to purchase a plant already in bloom to ensure you have the right variety! They make excellent border plants.
Essential Ingredients: oMorning sun and filtered afternoon light.
oGood drainage to prevent root rot but adequate watering.
oFertilizing with compost, manure, or time release fertilizer (10-10-10) 2X.
In May and July for warm climates; in June and July for colder regions.
oWhen transferring from pot to garden, do so in early spring or fall.
Steps for rooting from an established plant 1.
Cut a 5-6" stalk from a non-flowering branch.
2.
Remove lower leaves and cut bigger leaves in half.
3.
Insert stem in rooting hormone then place in coarse sand or moist vermiculite.
4.
Cover with plastic, avoiding contact with leaves.
5.
Situate in well lit area but not in the sun as plant will get overheated.
6.
Water as needed when soil becomes dry.
7.
Complete this process in the summer time to ensure plant is rooted and ready for winter.
Roots will appear within 2-3 weeks.
The color of some varieties is dependent on pH of the soil.
Blue blooms need pH of 5.
5 or lower; pink blooms: 6.
5 or higher and between 5.
5 and 6.
5 will yield purple blooms.
To raise pH, add lime; to lower it, add aluminum sulphate.
Hydrangeas are relatively pest free if planted in suitable soil with adequate sunlight.
Not enough light or improper pruning will diminish blooms.
Prune before July to ensure next summers flowering.
The climbing variety can get up to 80 stories tall and can be a beautiful adornment for cottage, tree, rock pile, trellis, or gazebo.
Plants can be preserved by cutting from shrub when almost dried and placing in attic or vase to complete.
They make beautiful bouquets for most any occasion.
Here's to beautiful blooms and glamorous gardens!
